![Elementary female student holding lunch tray in cafeteria and smiling.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1729267004/darek12ncus/zx74bfcvyzrnwjhtszza/UniversalMealProgramThumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1729267004/darek12ncus/zx74bfcvyzrnwjhtszza/UniversalMealProgramThumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1729267004/darek12ncus/zx74bfcvyzrnwjhtszza/UniversalMealProgramThumbnail.png","width":800}])
Hannah Nash
Dare County Schools is pleased to share that last week, the Dare County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the Dare County Board of Education's request to fully fund a universal meals program throughout the district. The additional funds will cover the cost of school meals for all students for the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year. This initiative is an incredible step forward in ensuring that all of our students have access to nutritious meals. We are extremely grateful to the board and community for their support.
To help make this program sustainable for years to come, we need your assistance.
If you haven’t already, we are asking all families to complete the Free and Reduced Meals Application. This program connects families to valuable discounts and resources including:
- AP Test Reduced Fees
- Discounted Internet Access
- Sun Bucks (Summer EBT)
- AT&T Lifeline (discounted wireless phone service)
- Amazon Prime Access
- College Exam Fee Waivers
- Food for Thought Resources I
- Increased school funding
Another key to the success of the universal meals program is student participation. We encourage all students to take advantage of the full no-cost breakfast and lunch options available. The greater the participation, the higher the reimbursement our district receives, which in turn reduces our local costs to support the program.
We appreciate the ongoing efforts of our families and community in championing this initiative. Research shows that students who receive proper nutrition are better equipped to learn. This program ensures our students will have their essential nutritional needs met each day that they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Thank you for your continued support.
