To Parents of School Students,

Exciting News Regarding Reduced Meal Assistance: The Ohio Department of Education is delighted to inform you that the State of Ohio's FY24-FY25 biennial budget has allocated funds to cover the expenses associated with providing complimentary breakfast and lunch to students who qualify for reduced-price meals. Commencing from the 2023-2024 school year, the budgetary provisions mandate that public and chartered nonpublic schools participating in the National School Breakfast or Lunch Program offer breakfast or lunch to eligible students at no cost. Subsequently, the state will reimburse schools at a rate of 30 cents for each reduced-price breakfast served and 40 cents for each reduced-price lunch served.

This new policy, effective as of October 3, 2023, necessitates all participating schools to provide no-cost meals to eligible students. Although schools have the option to begin the school year without collecting money from reduced-price students, they are strongly encouraged to do so. Reduced Price Meal Reimbursement will be applicable for meals served starting from the first school day of the 2023-2024 academic year.

Rest assured, schools will continue to assess students for free or reduced meals, record and claim meals as free, reduced, or paid. The significant change is that, starting from the 2023-2024 school year, schools will no longer collect money from students eligible for reduced-price meals. As the final details for reimbursing schools for the reduced-price breakfasts and lunches are established, the Department will keep you informed through further updates.

Your cooperation and support in this endeavor are greatly appreciated as we strive to enhance the well-being of our students.

Warm regards,
Chef Bill Bailey
Nutrition & Food Service Supervisor
[email protected]

Please click on the title of this story to read Dr. Celico's letter for the 2023-2024 school year.