PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Portage Public Schools are now set to provide free breakfast and lunch for more of it’s students according to a news release from the district on Tuesday, March 6.
Officials say that as of Wednesday, March 1, the district began waiving fees for breakfast and lunch for students qualifying for reduced-price meals thanks to a budget surplus in their Food Service Program.
The surplus, officials went onto say was made possible by an excess fund balance due to a larger than normal reimbursement rate from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with the Michigan Department of Education requiring the excess money to be spent to improve the program for the benefit of feeding children.
The change was approved by the Portage Public School’s Board of Education at their meeting held on Monday, February 27.
The District will provide these meals at no cost to students and their families through the remainder of the school year, which will also include eligible students who attend summer learning camp through June 30.
Eligibility for free or reduced-price meals is determined by household size and income.
Families are invited to apply for meal benefits annually. Families already receiving reduced-price meals were sent a letter in the mail notifying them of the change.
Families can apply for free and reduced-price lunch online at portage.familyportal.cloud or get a paper application at their child’s school.
They can also contact the Food Service Department at 269-323-5155.
