St. Elmo Students Can Eat for Free

St. Elmo school district has expanded its free meal program to all students.

St. Elmo Superintendent Deb Philpot said the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act has made eating lunch and breakfast for free available for Grades K-8 students. K-6 students were eligible for the last two years. Junior high students were added at the start of the current school year. Philpot said that, due to some changes in the program, it will now be available for high school students, too.

As of October 1, all K-12 students in the St. Elmo School District will be able to eat breakfast and lunch for free. 

Any lunch fees paid by high school parents will be reimbursed retroactive to the start of the school year. A mention from Philpot, though, that eligibility for the free meals does not automatically allow free textbook waivers. Parents must still apply for textbook fee waivers. Also, if a student takes a second milk for lunch or breakfast, parents will be billed for the additional milk.

Letters are being mailed to St. Elmo School District parents explaining the program.