By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
A rare benefit of the COVID-19 pandemic has been free meals for all school students for the past two years. The federal waiver that allowed districts to serve those free breakfasts and lunches is set to expire June 30. That means those needing free or reduced lunches must now apply for the benefit prior to the upcoming school year.
"Now it's just going back to normal where, during their enrollment, they do have to fill out a meal application to see if they qualify for free or reduced meals," said USD 428 Great Bend Food Services Director Kristy Alvord. "If they don't fill out the application or they don't qualify, they'll just be full-pay students."
The USD 428 Board of Education announced last month an increase in milk and meal prices. Lunch prices increased 15 cents around the district to range from $2 at elementary schools to $2.35 at Great Bend High School. Milk increased from 40 to 50 cents, and breakfast increased from a dollar to $1.25. Reduced lunch prices remain the same at 40 cents.
"For families that we haven't received that application yet, they're going to be automatically full paid until that application comes in and has been processed," Alvord said. "It's extremely important for those meal applications to get completed as soon as possible."
On-site enrollment for USD 428 begins Aug. 3.