McDonald County Students No Longer Guaranteed Free Lunch

The McDonald County R-1 school district is returning to its pre-covid-19 lunch policy.

EmilyFaith Bennett/MCHS Journalism Class

September 16, 2022

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ANDERSON —The McDonald County R-1 School District is returning the pre-covid-19 lunch policy. Students who don't qualify for free and reduced lunches now have to pay for their meals.

Kevin Burgi, assistant principal at MCHS, said this policy existed before covid-19 adjustments were made in the district.

“It's not really a new policy, it's a policy brought back post-covid,” Burgi said.

The policy was changed before the start of the 2022/2023 school year. Burgi said funding used last year, which was provided by the state government, was withdrawn following changes related to covid-19.

“All students can eat lunch, I have no concerns about that,” Burgi said.

Students who need help paying for a meal can visit MCHS’ front office, where they will be assisted by a school staff member.

“If there is any student that is not eating lunch they do need to come into the office and we need to make sure they understand that we can get them a meal,” Burgi said.

Sabrina Washum, Kitchen Manager at McDonald County High School, said she was worried about the students not being able to eat for free.

“I feel like all kids should eat free,” Washum said. “In my opinion I feel kids should be able to eat without worrying if they have the money for it.”

Not only are more students paying for lunch, but less are going through the lunch line.

“In my opinion, I think that kids who don't qualify are going to end up not eating,” Washum said.

Elise Barbosa, a sophomore at MCHS, said she wasn’t aware of the free and reduced lunch program and policy change until last year.

“It just never occurred to me, like no one told me,” Barbosa said.

The program impacts both families and students alike, as parents may be unable to afford various school lunches but may not qualify for the free-and-reduced lunch policy.

“I feel like this impacts not only students but teachers and parents as well,” Barbosa said.

In addition to the free and reduced lunch program, students can get free meals through the school’s after school lunch program, the school’s food pantry, and the MC4Kids backpack program. Students who wish to be connected with resources are encouraged to reach out to MCHS staff for additional information.