Free School Meals for Kids Program

On Friday, March 17, 2023, Governor Walz signed the Free School Meals bill into law. This will take effect with the July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 school year. This legislation provides the reimbursement for a free breakfast and lunch to students who receive meals through their school’s participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP). Schools that participate in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National School Lunch Program (NSLP) must now participate in the state funded Free School Meals Program.

Congregate meal service is required in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Meals may not be taken off campus, sent home, delivered, or picked up by parents or others.

Dover Eyota Public Schools will be providing a free breakfast and a free lunch to all students attending school.  Any additional entrees or a la cart items will be charged to a student’s account.  A la cart purchases will not be allowed if the student does not have money in their account.

Free Meals start this Fall 2023.  If your student has a negative balance, you are still required to pay the amount owed.  Negative accounts will be turned over to collections at the end of June.

Applications for Educational Benefits (also known as Free and Reduced Meals) still need to be filled out.  These applications qualify the school and the students for many things other than meals.  Please continue to fill out the applications, it is beneficial to our school.

More information will be shared as it becomes available.  As always it is our goal to provide nutritious, inviting meals to fuel our students as they learn.

Direct questions to Amy Renken, Food Service Director

amyrenken@deschools.org  507-585-8242