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Board hears nutrition update: free meals for students and rising participation
Summary
Waterloo Local leaders said free breakfast and lunch are being offered to all students; lunch prices ($2.35 K–8, $3.00 9–12) were noted and breakfast participation is near 50% while lunch participation has increased compared with prior years.
District staff reported that Waterloo Local is offering free breakfast and lunch to all students and that the eligible meal offerings comply with state 'smart snack' and lunch program rules. The nutrition lead said the district updated required board policy in April and submitted a certificate to the state to maintain funding.
"We're at almost 50% for breakfast participation," the Elementary principal (functional_label: Elementary principal) said, crediting a new service card at the high school and noting lunch participation ranges historically from 40–50% by school and climbed during COVID when three meals were provided. The nutrition lead also noted the current year-to-date lunch participation is roughly 69% at some schools and that food costs have risen.
Board members acknowledged the financial and logistical challenges but welcomed the increased participation and the added family savings from free meals. Staff said they will continue monitoring participation and finances over the next months.
