District news
School meals are no longer free for everyone
What happened
Starting in 2026-27 the district left the program that gave every student free meals. Families must apply for free or reduced-price meals, and prices rose 25 cents: lunch is $3 at elementary schools and $3.25 at middle and high school, and breakfast is $2.
Why it matters to families
Families who did not pay for meals before may now owe money. Students without an application move to paid status after a 30-school-day grace period.
The evidence
In the August 2026 recording the child nutrition director lists the new prices, the end of universal free meals, and the 30-operating-day grace period. The June 8 recording first announced the change.
The source
August 2026 regular board meeting (recording)See the full record for Gates County Schools.
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