
ELGIN, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Every student in the state’s second largest school district will be offered free meals at school this academic year, regardless of income level.
Elgin District U-46 will offer free breakfast and lunch to all 37,000 of its students all school year starting Monday.
Usually, free school meals are limited to those who qualify from a low-income standpoint. The district said 60 percent of students normally qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Officials expect as many as 75 percent of students to take advantage of the free meals offer.
Meals must be eaten at school, and will include everything from garlic parmesan chicken over rotini to Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes.
Money for the free meals is coming from federal COVID relief. There’ll also be free school supplies given to students in pre-kindergarten through 6th grade.