Salinas school district offering free meals to students
It was the first day of classes for students in the Salinas Union High School District on Wednesday.
For some students in the district, eating lunch every day is not a guarantee. That can affect how students view themselves and how they learn in the classroom.
Starting this year, the district is offering free meals to all students, regardless of family income.
“I’m excited about getting the word out and letting them know it’s not a barrier,” said Barbara Lawrence-Emanuel, the principal of North Salinas High School.
Breakfast and lunch meals are free for any student who wants one, at no cost to the district. It is part of a federal program called the Community Eligibility Provision.
To qualify, more than 40 percent of students in a given district must come from low income families. Having free meals available to everyone is beneficial in at least two ways.
“Not have any stigma attached to picking up that food is huge, self-esteem-wise and security-wise for students who would feel stigmatized by the fact that they had to be identified as (being) on the free lunch program,” said Lawrence-Emanuel.
Education and meals also go hand in hand. When students are not worried about what they are going to eat, they can focus on learning. The districts says families are relieved.
“Sometimes they have two or three students. Sometimes four. And it is a big expense to provide meals,” said SUHSD Food Services Manager Christina Varela. “So it’s helpful to our students, but it’s also helpful to our community as well. And we’re happy about that.”
“Go into the cafeteria, go up to the food cart, get your meal. Take care of your body and we’ll take care of your education with you,” said Lawrence-Emanuel.
School leaders expect more meals to be served daily now, and they will be gauging just how much they will need.
The new program will serve over 15,000 students in the district and is slated to last four years.
SUHSD is also looking into possibly expanding dinner services for students in need in the future and other offerings for students in extra curricular activities. They will review funding for those.
