ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Thousands of students will have to start paying for meals at St. Johns County schools.
The school district said it is ending universal free meals in December because of a shortage of food, supplies and staff to support the school meal program -- a result of nationwide disruptions to manufacturing and supply chains.
Starting Dec. 1, meal prices will be:
Students who qualify for free or reduced meals based on direct certification or a family income application will not be impacted by this change and will continue to receive meals at no or reduced costs. Students who are not eligible based on income will return to a PAID status.
STORY: USDA to allow free school lunches through June 2022
From Oct. 25 to Nov. 30, eligible families are encouraged to apply for free or reduced lunch for their student either online or through a paper application.
Paper applications are also available at schools and at the District School Board Office located at 40 Orange Street.
Read more from the school district here.