Federal free meal eligibility guidelines changing at some schools for 2022-23

Press release from Alachua County Public Schools

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – The number of students who are eligible for free meals at some local schools will be reduced in the 2022-23 academic year as a result of changes in federal school meal guidelines. 

During the pandemic, Alachua County Public Schools was permitted to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students at all area public schools. But under the revised guidelines, students at 17 local schools will have to meet federal eligibility requirements to receive free or reduced-price meals during the upcoming school year. Families will also need to submit an application for each child.

The affected schools include: Buchholz High, Chiles Elementary, Ft. Clarke Middle, Gainesville High, Hidden Oak Elementary, High Springs Community, Kanapaha Middle, Meadowbrook Elementary, Newberry High, Oak View Middle, PAM@Loften High, Santa Fe High, Talbot Elementary, Wiles Elementary, Expressions Charter, PK Yonge Developmental, and Healthy Learning Charter.

More information and an online application are available on the district’s Food and Nutrition Services website at www.yourchoicefresh.com. Hard copies of the application are also available at the affected schools.

Families needing more information can call (352) 955-7539, extension 1569.