As children across Orange County returned to the classroom this week, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools alerted families and students about a policy change for meals. 

For the last two academic years, a USDA federal waiver allowed students to receive free school breakfasts and lunches, regardless of household income or eligibility for free or reduced meals. 

After the USDA’s waiver expired on June 20 this year, however, school breakfasts and lunches are no longer free for all students — reverting to the pre-pandemic school food policy. 

Nyah Hamlett, the superintendent of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, said if families don’t qualify for free or reduced lunch, there will be a charge for meals. She added the part of the charges are for the district to ensure all children have access to healthy, nutritious meals so they can have adequate fuel to learn and engage in the classroom.

“We’re going to do anything and everything that we can within our means to support our children who need meals, whether it’s at a reduced price or free,” Hamlett told 97.9 The Hill. 

In Chapel Hill-Carrboro City elementary schools, breakfast is $1.50 and lunch is $3.00. Reduced-price breakfasts are free and reduced-price lunches are $0.40. In middle and high schools, breakfast is $1.50 and lunch is $3.25. Reduced-price breakfasts are free and reduced-price lunches are $0.40.

In Orange County Schools, all elementary students will have access to a free breakfast. Breakfasts for all grades are $1.40 and reduced-price breakfasts are $0.30. Lunch is $2.45 for elementary students and $2.95 for middle and high school students. Reduced lunch for all grades is $0.40.

Families of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools students can complete an application to see if their child qualifies for free or reduced meals. For Orange County School’s free or reduced lunch application, click here. 

Paper applications can also be obtained from the front office or cafeteria of the student’s school site. Only one application needs to be completed per household.

Photo by Chris Grunert.

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