Perrydale SD 21 says USDA-funded universal meals will continue through 2029-30

The Perrydale SD 21 superintendent told the board the district's USDA-sponsored universal breakfast and lunch program will be extended for four more years, ensuring paid breakfasts and lunches for students through the 2029-30 school year.

The superintendent said the program has increased participation from earlier averages: lunches rose from about 175 per day to roughly 245, and breakfasts increased from about 150 per day to roughly 200. The extension follows two initial years of USDA coverage and, with this addition, brings the program's duration to six years overall.

"We just got news this last week on Thursday that we are for sure going to be able to extend another four years," the superintendent said, thanking staff members Cindy and Chrissy Star for their work securing the extension. District officials said the broader uptake of the meals also reduced the need to transfer an estimated several thousand dollars from the general fund this year.

Board members and staff said the program supports student nutrition and the district's finances. The superintendent noted staff set an all-time record when lunch staff served 283 lunches in a single day, a sign leadership said that students are choosing the meals provided.

The district will continue to monitor participation and implementation details; staff credited several employees with the program's day-to-day success and said they will push outreach and events, including National School Lunch Week activities, to sustain participation.

The board took no separate vote on the meals extension during the public portion beyond placing the information into the superintendent's report; staff said implementation will continue through existing USDA processes.