USD 443 proposes free breakfast for all students this school year

What happened

USD 443 is proposing free breakfast for every Pre-K–12 student through May 25, 2027. The plan would refund breakfast charges paid since school began on August 18 and use an estimated $200,000 from the district’s Food Service Fund; continuation would be evaluated in June 2027.

Why it matters to families

If approved, the proposal would eliminate breakfast charges for all students for the remainder of the school year and reimburse families’ accounts for prior purchases, while drawing on accumulated Food Service funds.

The evidence

The September 28 agenda lists approval of the proposal as an action item. The attached staff recommendation says breakfasts from August 18 through formal approval would be credited to student accounts, breakfasts thereafter would be free through May 25, 2027, estimated cost is $200,000 from Fund 24 Food Service, and continuation will be evaluated in June 2027. This is proposed, not an established board outcome.

The source