JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton County School District (TCSD) #1 has announced its policy for free and reduced-priced meals for the 2023-2024 school year.
According to Teton County School District #1, 20 percent of children enrolled, or about 500 children, are eligible to receive free or reduced-priced lunches at school.
Students attending the following schools might qualify for the National School Lunch Program: Alta Elementary, Jackson Elementary, Munger Mountain Elementary, Colter Elementary, Wilson Elementary, Jackson Hole High School and Jackson Hole Middle School. The following schools also participate in the school breakfast program: Jackson Elementary, Munger Mountain Elementary, Colter Elementary and Jackson Hole Middle School.
Per TCSD, the below income criteria will be used for determining eligibility. Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced-priced meals.
Kids with SNAP benefits, kids in foster care programs and kids experiencing homelessness will be evaluated separately. They can make arrangements with their individual schools.
In a recent interview with Buckrail, Hole Food Rescue Executive Director Hannah Cooley discussed the area’s school lunch situation, pointing out that Jackson’s cost of living can skew perceptions of affordability.
“There is a significant amount of need within the community,” Cooley said. “Last year, the national free and reduced-priced lunch program retracted free lunch for all students. Families are now required to enroll and eligibility is based on the national income levels. A family of four, making $50,000 a year, doesn’t qualify for free lunch in Teton County.”
Interested families can apply via TCSD’s website, with applications available in both English and Spanish.
