Parents of Great Bend USD 428 students were notified this week that free meals are available to all students, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 7.

The USDA recently announced an extension of its free meal program, said Kristy Alvord, director of food and nutrition at USD 428. All students enrolled in USD 428 are now eligible for free lunch and breakfast through December 31, 2020.

The deadline to submit the Free and Reduced Meal Application is still set for October 9. Families should complete this application to ensure their student(s) receive free or discounted meals once the USDA’s free meal program expires. The application can be completed online at the district website. 

Breakfast and lunch are also available for quarantined students and GB Remote Learners. Meals can be ordered online in advance for daily pick-up from the USD 428 Central Kitchen. 

The expanded services began Tuesday. Alvord said no action is required to participate in the free meal program. Positive lunch account balances will carry forward and can be used when the free meal program expires. Students are still welcome to bring sack lunches to school. 

“We hope our families feel supported by these additional efforts to care for the health, nutrition, and wellness of our students,” Alvord stated in the notice sent to families. “We also ask for your patience as we adjust our food orders to meet the anticipated increased demand for hot lunches. Daily menus may continue to fluctuate or alternative items provided to make sure all students receive a meal.”