The United States Department of Agriculture, that oversees school lunch programs throughout the nation, has announced a rule-change that will allow school districts to provide free meals to ALL students throughout the 2021-2022 school year.

The changes from the USDA were brought about because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  School systems will be able to extend the USDA’s “Seamless Summer Program”, that provides free meals to all students in the summer months, for the school year.  The free meals are contingent on allocated funds.

The Chattooga County School System announced this week that it will be participating in the program to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students.  Should funding expire, local media outlets will be notified and a letter will be sent home with students.

This year, the school system is asking all families to fill out the free or reduced lunch application form, regardless of income.

You can see all the details below: