Local schools offer special meal programs

Families who want their children to participate in the National School Lunch or National School Breakfast programs should contact their school offices.

The programs, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provide healthy meals for students. Students from households whose income is at or below certain levels may be eligible to eat free or reduced-price meals.

An application is required to find out if students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Applications are available from participating school offices.

Not all schools participate in federal school nutrition programs.

Income requirements that determine eligibility range from $14,079 a year for a one-person household to $48,113 for an eight-person household.

To see a complete income chart or for further information about school nutrition programs, contact your school office or visit opi.mt.gov/programs/schoolprograms/school_nutrition.