@hutch5801 : many districts do this. Aldine schools have had free meals for years now without applications.

@MrsT : If your application is pulled for verification you have to provide proof.

@ParksideRes : Districts that are at a certain % free/reduced qualify for Universal free.

@Lace : Around what percentage is that? I'm seeing on the USDA page that a small amount are verified but I never had that happen to me. Not that it mattered, I was a single mom making like 22k. And they only gave me reduced. 😂

@Lace : yes, through the USDA and being title 1. This money is coming from the same program. I believe districts outside the scope can apply for short term stints.

@Ladyfairlane : Yikes! Sorry to hear about your healthcare. Hope the company gets back on track and that your healthcare can be part of the employment package again. Darn!

@LeverageShowFan : Thank you, so sweet of you to say. 😊Anything can happen so we don't take these things for granted.

@Lace : That's exactly what I thought but after this conversation apparently not. I truly thought you had to show proof.

@Smokeybear : Okay, for the record, I want all hungry children fed. My children are not hungry, not even close. We are blessed. So in response to your comment, that is crazy. Lose it to what?

@ParksideRes : What happens to the money if not spent?

@AlettertoElise : I believe this to be somewhat true but there are many like my family who's children are not hungry, why not do as you say and spend it on something that better serves our kids education?

@Ladyfairlane : You know, kind of like vacation days at work with some companies. Use it or lose it.The funds are specifically allocated to this. If not used, the funds go back into the proverbial pot for something else, not necessarily for the benefit of schools.

@brightlights : Well thank goodness I've always worked at companies that paid me my un used vacation days, when I was younger, I could never afford to go on a vacation so it was a bonus. But as long as the money that is unspent in lunches goes to other good school things, I'm good with that. Doesn't seem the case here. Seems that even well off families can take from this fund and to me , it just seems wrong. Anyway, I guess I just need to do some research so that I understand it better. Haven't learned much on this thread regarding where it really goes and why it has to be this way. Would love to see the money do more good for our children then to just give it away to people that don't really need it. Guess it's more complicated than my teeny simple mind. 😂

Why ? Regardless where the money is specifically coming from (HISD, USDA, etc.) it is coming from taxes we pay.

@Ladyfairlane : I'm only speaking from a position of working in State Government and don't know the specifics of the districts lunch program. With government sponsored programs the district based on a formula is awarded xx amount of dollars for lunch program. The district spends the money then applies for reimbursement. There are probably many children distant learning that are eligible for the program. I bet it was easier to open things up to all students than to risk turning someone away. The additional cost being covered with district funds. I agree any child that is hungry should be fed and I applaud the district for continuing the program it started in the spring. Many families are living with reduced incomes at this time and this will go a long way. My crazy was in regards to the district not being able to redirect unused funds to other programs, but knowing a bit about government finances I understand why. As to where it goes if not spent....first of all I think the district is pretty wise with the budget and doesn't leave any money on the table, but the short answer is that it is reallocated to other districts.