2023/2024 Free Meal Program

Understanding the Free School Meals Program

August 2023
This past spring, Governor Walz signed the Minnesota (MN) Free School Meals bill into law. Here is everything you need to know about the program that allows all in-person students to get one free breakfast and one free lunch while at school – no application required. 

What is included in the MN Free School Meals Program? 

Breakfast requirements

Students must choose at least three breakfast items to be counted as a reimbursable (free) meal. One of the breakfast items must include a ½ cup serving of fruit or vegetable to be eligible for a free breakfast.

Lunch requirements

Students must choose at least three items to be counted as a reimbursable (free) meal. One of the lunch items must include a ½ cup serving of fruit or vegetable to be eligible for a free lunch.

What is NOT included in the MN Free School Meals Program? 

Single item purchases and meals that do not meet the minimum fruit or vegetable requirements are not free. Some examples include: 

• A carton of milk (ex. if a student brings a lunch from home and wants a milk, the student will be charged $.50 for a milk)
• Snack items 
• Single second entrées (examples: a second slice of pizza or a second hamburger)* 
• A complete second breakfast or a second lunch* 
• Meals that do not include the required  ½ cup serving of fruit or vegetable
• Meals served to teachers, staff and other adults 

*Negative meal accounts and additional lunch/breakfast items

The school district has more than $7,000 in unpaid meal debt. If a family has a negative food service balance, their child(ren) will not be allowed to purchase any additional items such as an extra milk, a second lunch/breakfast or an additional slice of pizza or cereal.  

Parents can pay their debt or add money to their food service account through their Family Access Skyward account or by sending a check or cash to the school office. If you have questions about your family food service account, please contact mary.reeder@delanoschools.org.

Can the meals be picked up or brought home like what was done during the pandemic?

No. Meals may not be taken off campus, sent home, delivered, or picked up by parents or other people. 

Do I still need to complete the Application for Educational Benefits?

It is still important for families to complete the Application for Educational Benefits. Applications for Educational Benefits determine how much funding your child’s school receives for educational programs and supports. Additionally, eligible families can qualify for other benefits, such as: 

• WIC Benefits. 
• Metro Transits’ Transit Assistance Program. 
• FCC Affordable Connectivity Program/Reduced price internet programs. 
• Some summer camps, athletics programs and/or child care offer scholarships or discounts. 
• Free Access to AP and ACT Testing

Do you have additional questions? 

Please contact Kris Larson at kris.larson@delanoschools.org.