We wanted to make you aware of a recent statewide update regarding area eligibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it relates to meal distribution in school districts throughout the State of Ohio.
This policy provides guidance to a) National School Lunch Program (NSLP) School Food Authorities operating under the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) or b) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sponsors about expanding area eligibility during the coronavirus (COVID-19) meal distribution process.
Under this new guidance, lunches served to ALL students will be at no cost. Details are listed below, as to the specifics on what constitutes a school lunch under this policy.
Lunch at No Cost Includes:
Grades 1 – 8: Entree, grain, choice of 2 different vegetables, 1 fruit & milk
Grades 9 – 12: Entree, grain, choice of 2 different vegetables, choice of 2 different fruits & milk.
Students must select a minimum of 1 fruit or vegetable + 2 other items to be considered a lunch meal. Students are encouraged to take all 5 components (entree, grain, fruit, vegetable & milk). All students will be charged for ala carte purchases, just as they always have been.
Families are still encouraged to submit free/reduced meal applications to ensure that they do not lose their free/reduced status at the conclusion of this statewide policy. This is very important, as there is no guarantee when funding for this statewide policy will expire.
This policy is effective immediately and remains in effect until December 31, 2020, or until expiration of the federally declared public health emergency or until funding is depleted, whichever is earlier.
Click Below to View the Free/Reduced Meals Application –
Click Below to Learn More About This Policy –