Moorhead district launches year 3 of Minnesota free meals, expands second-chance breakfast and farm-to-school offerings

Ashley Schneider, director of food and nutrition services for Moorhead Area Public Schools, told the school board on Sept. 22 that the district has entered year three of Minnesota’s universal school meals program, under which every enrolled student is eligible for one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day.

“This does require students to take what is deemed a reimbursable meal,” Schneider said, explaining that a reimbursable meal must include a half-cup of fruit or vegetables plus two other food groups. Schneider said the district provides share tables and share bins at most sites to reduce waste and that students who do not select a reimbursable meal are charged for individual items (for example, a 50¢ milk).

The district has resumed Second Chance Breakfast at Moorhead High School and the Career Academy after a successful pilot last year. Schneider said the program opens a second breakfast service between blocks so students who arrive…