Previously, the U.S. Department of Agriculture granted waivers to school districts that allowed them to provide meals to all students during the 2021-22 school year as many families adapted to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, that waiver has now expired, according to PISD.
Families are encouraged to complete the application for free and reduced-price school meals, which can be found here. A number of criteria is used to determine if a family qualifies for meals, including household income; existing participation in other food assistance programs; and whether a child is homeless, a runaway, a migrant or displaced by a disaster. Families can also find whether they might be eligible through the Texas Department of Agriculture's eligibility calculator.
The district is also working with local agencies to identify students who qualify for the program. Families who qualify will be notified, according to a district release.
Additionally, children who attend Head Start, Early Head Start or Even Start programs are also eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
The 2021-22 meal wavier will be honored for the first 30 days of the school year, according to PISD.
See more from the district here.
