Representatives from Santa Maria, Pioneer Valley, Righetti, and Delta high schools are encouraging families to apply for the school’s free and reduced lunch program to make sure students are well fed and ready to learn.
The Santa Maria Joint Union High School District’s Free and Reduced Meal Program applications are available at all school sites, cafeterias, community liaison offices, and the Support Services Center at 2560 Skyway Drive.
“A well-nourished high school student statistically does better in school,’’ the district’s budget manager, Mary Andrade, said. “The balanced breakfast and lunch is for eligible families at no cost. Breakfast and lunch are an extremely important part of the school day and this program takes the worry out of a student’s next meal.’’
The application process is confidential and can easily be filled out on all student tablets issued to district students. Translation help is available at all school sites and the Support Services Center. It can take several days for families to learn of their eligibility for the program once the application is submitted.
Students who return completed applications are entered into a drawing for free clothing and other items with their school’s logo.
This article appears in Aug 27 – Sep 3, 2015.