STANFORD, Ky. (WKYT) -Some Kentucky children are once again able to take advantage of free breakfast and lunch at school.
The meals are available through a federal program, and in some school districts, every student qualifies.
It’s a program that started in Lincoln County six years ago, and educators are hopeful it will not end any time soon.
“This is a great opportunity for our families in Lincoln County. It is a barrier we are taking away from them,” says Cathy Hettmansperger, who works in food service for the Lincoln County Board of Education.
Officials say the USDA program started first in the elementary schools then grew to include the middle and high schools.
“I have two children in the school district, and I would hate to have to pay for breakfast and lunch (leaving them with the question). Am I going to eat breakfast and lunch today?” she said.
It’s estimated that each lunch costs just over four dollars and breakfast more than three dollars, so that’s seven dollars a day and it can lead to savings of hundreds of dollars a school year for families.
“You look at our food prices out in the stores. You can imagine what the food cost is in the school system. We try to buy the best of everything,” said Hettmansperger.
There’s questions of how long the program will last, but from an academic standpoint up, educators say they believe it’s making a difference.
“Gets them started. Less discipline problems. Better attendance. Students are going to stay awake during the day,” she said.
The program is automatic, there’s nothing for students or their families to apply for to get the free meals.
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