School district launches free meals for all K-12 students
The Brooklyn Park City Council heard a presentation about the school district's new universal free meal program, which provides breakfast and lunch to all kindergarten through 12th grade students at no cost on school days. The district is also urging families to apply for educational benefits, which can unlock additional funding for schools and may cover more families than expected.
Starting this school year, every student in the Brooklyn Park school district will have access to free breakfast and lunch during the school day. The program covers all K-12 students and includes healthy options, fruits, and vegetables as part of the standard meal offerings.
However, there are limits to what's free. If students want additional items—such as an extra entree or a bottle of water—they will need to pay for those extras or have money in their meal account to cover the cost.
Beyond the free meal program itself, district officials are strongly encouraging families to apply for educational benefits, even if their children already qualify for free meals. According to a speaker at the meeting, "Your approved application also provides the school with crucial funds that support the learning environment and improve the overall educational experience." These applications must be submitted annually to remain active.
One key message for families: the income thresholds for educational benefits may be higher than other assistance programs. "Income thresholds are higher than some assistance programs, so you may be surprised to find out you qualify," a district official noted. This means more families than might expect could be eligible for benefits.
Families interested in applying for educational benefits should submit the required form annually. The district emphasized that completing the application benefits not just individual families but the entire school community by providing resources that enhance the educational environment for all students.
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