Free and Reduced Meal Statement

Free and Reduced Price Meals Statement
5/20/22
   Apply for Free and Reduced Lunch

The USDA implemented valuable waivers for school systems across the country in the fall of 2020. These waivers allowed students to eat school meals every day, at no cost. Thanks to these timely waivers, school systems were able to ensure students of all ages were able to maintain nutrition during the pandemic. In addition, the waivers allowed school systems to receive valuable reimbursements to offset rising food costs experienced within the last two years. The free meal allowances have been extremely helpful to families and school systems alike.

These unprecedented waivers will expire on June 30th. As waivers expire, many students and their families may be surprised to learn this valuable meal resource will end. This means students and their families will once again be charged for school meals for the 2022-2023 school year.

As in years prior to the pandemic, families may apply for free or reduced price meals, based on eligibility. Interested families may apply starting on July 1. Many local systems, including Bradley, Catoosa, Hamilton, Walker and Whitfield counties are trying to get the word out to students and their families. If a family feels they would qualify for free or reduced priced meals they may apply at lunchapplication.com, starting on July 1, 2022 for the upcoming school year.

Catoosa County Nutrition Department