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The Western Placer Unified School District announced that breakfast and lunch will be available at no charge to all students at participating schools during the 2026-27 school year through the district\u2019s Provision 2 meal program.<\/p>\n
Christina Lawson, director of food services for the district in Lincoln and Sheridan, said school meals traditionally had been offered based on household income, with students qualifying for free, reduced-price or paid meals.<\/p>\n
However, California\u2019s Universal Meals Program provides free breakfast and lunch to all public school students through the National School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the first state in the nation to implement Universal Meals, California now ensures that every student attending a public school can receive breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of household income,\u201d Lawson said. \u201cThere is no application or sign-up required. Every student has access to free meals every school day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lawson said the program was funded through a combination of federal and state dollars.<\/p>\n
\u201cFederal reimbursements cover meals for students who qualify for free meals and a portion of the cost for students who qualify for reduced-price meals,\u201d she said. \u201cCalifornia then provides additional funding to cover the remaining costs, ensuring that all students can eat at no charge.\u201d<\/p>\n
The district also is participating in California\u2019s Rural Summer Feeding Program.<\/p>\n
Through the program, families can receive meal kits containing seven breakfasts and seven lunches per child each week throughout the summer at no cost.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis allows us to continue supporting students even when school is not in session,\u201d Lawson said.<\/p>\n
Lawson said the district\u2019s goal was to provide students with nutritious meals year-round.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur goal is not simply to provide food, but to serve meals that are nutritious, delicious and made with care,\u201d she said. \u201cBy offering free meals during both the school year and the summer months, we can help ensure students have the nourishment they need to learn, grow and thrive all year long.\u201d<\/p>\n
This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 7:56 AM.<\/p>\n
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