RHINELANDER (WJFW) — The School District of Rhinelander is reminding families that free and reduced-price school meals are still available — and officials say keeping the program alive depends on how many students use it.
Food Service Director Drew Stamper says the district has seen a drop in the number of students eating school lunches, and that decline could have lasting consequences.
“The free and reduced has always been a program that we’ve had here,” Stamper said. “It’s an application process for families. If you’re going through hardships, any change in income or employment — anything — you can apply to get meals reduced for your children.”
Families can access the application on the district’s website or pick up a paper copy from the school office. Once submitted, the district determines eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. Elementary and middle school meals are currently provided at no cost, but high-school students must pay unless their families qualify.
Stamper says the program’s funding depends on participation. Fewer students eating school meals means fewer federal reimbursements to the district — money that helps keep meals free in future years.
“If we don’t have enough participation in the program itself, it can affect it overall,” he explained. “The less we have eating the meals, the less money being generated — because those are reimbursed by the government — and that could ultimately cause the children to have to pay for their meals the following year.”
According to Stamper, the goal is to make sure no student goes hungry. Another goal is to remind parents that using the program benefits the entire community.
“Have your kid participate in the program,” he said. “It saves mom and dad money in the long run, and the more participation we have, the more money stays in the district. Which helps families because we can keep the program free.”
The district’s food-service partner, Taher Inc., is also focusing on the quality of meals. Stamper says many menu items are now made from scratch and meet strict nutritional standards that limit sugars, fats and artificial dyes.
“Taher is really striving to make sure we’re made from scratch,” Stamper said. “People think it’s pre-packaged, but it meets school nutrition requirements and provides the best in nutrition for the children.”
Families with dietary restrictions can still participate by providing documentation from a doctor, allowing staff to provide appropriate accommodation.
Stamper calls the message simple: “Use it or lose it.”
If enough families continue taking part, he says Rhinelander can maintain free meals for years to come.
Applications for the free and reduced-meal program can be found on the School District of Rhinelander website or at any school office.