During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents of school-aged children had some peace of mind with meals because they didn’t have to pay. That’s changing.
Congress did not extend federal school waivers, so the free, reduced and full meal price categories will apply once again. Households with students in USD 253 Emporia will need to fill out an application for free or reduced price meals during the enrollment process beginning Monday — and only approved families will get meals at free or discounted rates.
*For grades K-8, reduced breakfasts are 30 cents per meal, while lunches are 40 cents. Full-price meals are $2.20 for breakfasts and $3.20 for lunches.
*For high school, reduced breakfasts are 30 cents a meal and lunches are 40 cents. Full-price meals are $2.20 per breakfast and $3.40 per lunch.
Click here for the school meal application.
USD 253 school meal frequently asked questions
Q: Will school meals be free of charge for ALL students in school year (SY) 2022-23?
A: No. Congress did not extend school meal waivers and school meals will no longer be available to ALL students free of charge. Students that do not qualify for free meals will be charged for each meal they take at the beginning of SY 2022-2023.
Q: How can households apply for free or reduced price meal benefits for SY 2022-23?
A: Households can qualify for free and reduced price meals by filling out an application during online enrollment at ezmealapp.com beginning July 18, 2022. Households may request a paper application by contacting the Food Service Department at 620-341-2382.
Q: Is there a way for households to apply online for free and reduced price meal benefits?
A: Yes. An online application is available at ezmealapp.com
Q: When can my household complete an application for free and reduced price meals?
A: Applications for free and reduced-price meals will be available beginning July 18, 2022
Q: When will households start being charged for meals?
A: Beginning on the first day of school in August 2022, students who do not qualify for free meals will be charged for each meal taken.
Q: Who determines the meal price for paid meals?
A: Local school boards are required to set and approve student meal prices annually.
Q. Will meals be allowed to be taken off campus during SY 2022-23?
A. No. All school meals must be consumed on the school campus during the 2022-23 school year (with the exception of field trips).
