Introduction to the New School Year
Broward County Public Schools on Friday offered students’ families some lunch-preparation updates for the upcoming school year, as the district transitions to no longer offering universal free lunches.
For the 2025-26 school year, lunch prices will rise by $1 for paying students: $3.50 for lunch in high school, $3.35 in middle school and $3 in elementary school.
Understanding the Changes
But those costs wouldn’t pertain to certain eligible students. In a news release Friday, the district provided additional steps that families can take. The changes are part of a transition back to the steps in place before the district began offering free lunches to all students during the past two years, bolstered by program funding.
Eligibility for Assistance
The district’s Food and Nutrition Services Department assisted families with the cost of meals through two U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, as well as Food and Nutrition Services funds. For the past two years, all students received free lunches, but for the upcoming school year, “free and reduced-price lunches will be offered based on eligibility, requiring families to complete an application,” the district said.
Application Process
Reduced-price lunches
Broward schools on July 14 will begin “accepting Meal Benefits Applications” at www.myschoolapps.com to determine families’ eligibility for free or reduced-price school lunches. The application is available throughout the school year at myschoolapps.com. For those eligible, each reduced-price lunch is 40 cents, the district said.
Free lunches
The district said automatically certified to receive free lunches are students who either:
— Receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
— Have Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits.
— Are “enrolled in Head Start, Foster, Homeless, or Migrant.”
Paying students
Families should create an account for each student through My School Bucks at www.myschoolbucks.com, starting July 28, to buy meals and a la carte items, the district said.
Free breakfasts
All students will keep receiving free breakfasts through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Universal Free Breakfast Program, the district said.
Preparing for the School Year
Families can start preparing for the school year by checking their eligibility and creating the necessary accounts. The district’s website will have more information on the application process and eligibility requirements.
Conclusion
The upcoming school year will bring changes to the lunch program in Broward County Public Schools. While the district will no longer offer universal free lunches, eligible students will still be able to receive free or reduced-price lunches. Families can start preparing now by checking their eligibility and creating accounts for their students.
FAQs
Q: When will the application process for free and reduced-price lunches begin?
A: The application process will begin on July 14 at www.myschoolapps.com.
Q: How much will reduced-price lunches cost?
A: Reduced-price lunches will cost 40 cents for eligible students.
Q: Will all students still receive free breakfasts?
A: Yes, all students will continue to receive free breakfasts through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Universal Free Breakfast Program.
Q: When can families create accounts for paying students?
A: Families can create accounts for paying students through My School Bucks at www.myschoolbucks.com starting July 28.
Originally Published: May 16, 2025 at 1:26 PM EDT
