Santa Monica Students To Receive Free Breakfast, Lunch

SANTA MONICA, CA — All Santa Monica students now qualify for free breakfast and lunch at school in the 2022-2023 school year, the district announced Monday.

California was the nation's first state to enact a universal meal program, offering all public school students two free meals per day starting in the 2022-2023 school year.

Even though all California students will be automatically enrolled, qualifying Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District families are encouraged to fill out a free and reduced meal application online, according to district authorities. These applications help the district secure funding for music programs and low-income student populations, according to Gail Pinsker, Community & Public Relations Officer for the district.

Applications will ask for student information and income information for the students' household, as well as whether the family already participates in any California social programs.

"We are pleased to participate in the free meal program to ensure all students are ready for in-person instruction and activities," Superintendent Ben Drati said in a news release. "It is critical for our families who typically qualify or may now qualify for free and reduced meals submit their application to ensure the continuity of important programming."

Check this document to see if your family should submit an application.