For the second consecutive year, through California’s Universal Meal Program, all students will be served breakfast and lunch at no charge during their school day, Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) and Kern 46 public school districts recently announced. Free and reduced-price meal applications, or other applications to determine student eligibility, may still be sent to household by local school districts for the purposes of other local school funding and program eligibility determinations. The eligibility determination from these applications and/or alternative income forms will not impact a student’s ability to receive breakfast and lunch at no charge at their school.

The program runs during 2023-24 school year. For additional information, please contact Rafael Juarez, Director of Food & Nutrition Services for KCSOS, 1300 17th Street, Bakersfield 93301, call 661-852-5930, or email rajuarez@kern.org.