INDIANAPOLIS — Back to school is just around the corner, and it's the first time in about two years the federal child nutrition waiver is not in place.
That means parents could have to pay for school lunches.
The previous program was offered as a form of COVID-19 relief, giving all students free lunch and breakfast.
Even though it won't be offered this year, the free and reduced lunch program is still in effect in the Hoosier state, but parents must apply to take part.
It's something schools across the city say is important to offer.
"We never want t kid to go hungry, we are always going to feed a kid. But we also need to make sure we are working without parents to make sure they are taking care of their balance on that stuff as well," Wes Anderson with Southern Hancock County Schools said.
At a time when pretty much everything is at an all-time high, parents say they're grateful they can qualify for free school lunches.
"I don't have to worry about my kid going hungry because I knew they would have that food at school to fall back on," Sara Helton, who utilizes the free lunch program, said.
To learn more on if you qualify for free and reduced lunch and to apply, click here.
-
Hundreds of local students go holiday shopping for kids in need
Hundreds of local students have already done some holiday shopping, but they won’t be taking the gifts home. They’ll be giving them to local families and kids in need.
Drug overdose deaths down in U.S. for first time since 2018
The U.S. saw a 14.5 percent decline in drug overdose death in the last year. Marion County also saw fewer overall overdose deaths.
Silver Alert issued for missing 52-year-old from Warsaw
A Silver Alert has been issued for a 52-year-old woman from Warsaw, Indiana. Police said she's been missing since Oct. 28 and may be in danger.
Buck Creek Township Fire Department has more women on staff than ever before
Five percent of all career firefighters are women, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. One Hancock County fire department now has the most women on staff they've ever had.
