The Blaine County Education Foundation has increased the number of students it will support with free meals after expanding the income eligibility guidelines for the program.

 

In November 2022, the foundation initiated the program to ensure all students who qualify for free or reduced-priced meals do not need to pay for breakfast or lunch for the rest of the school year. Additionally, BCEF will cover meals for students whose family income is up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level. 

 

Doing so will help ease the burden on many working-class families who have seen costs for food and other items soar due to inflation over the past year. 

 

Many BCSD families will now qualify for free or reduced meals, even if their applications were denied in the past. Parents and guardians are encouraged to fill out an application as soon as possible. 

 

Additionally, students who currently receive reduced-price meals may now have the entire cost of their meals covered thanks to BCEF’s support. These families will receive a written notice within the next several weeks. 

 

Hard-copy applications for free or reduced meals can be found at the school or district office. To find the application online, please visit https://www.blaineschools.org/domain/70.