All Grand Rapids schools students can eat lunch and breakfast for free, under a new federal pilot program

All Grand Rapids schools students can eat lunch and breakfast for free, under a new federal pilot program | MLive.com
“This pilot acknowledges the important role school meals make in supporting academic achievement. We know that academic performance is tied directly to students being prepared, mentally and physically,” said Baumgartner.
“Breaking down the last remaining barriers to accessing healthy and nutritious breakfast and lunch at school will allow every student in GRPS to fuel their body for a more productive day of learning.”

Under the option, schools utilize preexisting data to determine the amount of reimbursement they can claim from USDA.
According to the department, the determination is primarily based on the percentage of households in that community who are already participating in the Food Stamp Program.
Schools that utilize this option agree to provide meals to all children free of charge, and USDA reimburses them for the appropriate amount based on this preexisting data.