SMMUSD Now Offering Free Meals to All Students

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District has announced it is participating in the federal program offering free meals to all public school students, regardless of their family's income.

School officials are also urging families to submit the free and reduced meal application so the schools may continue to receive "funding for programs for low-income students at Title 1 schools" along with music programs.

"We are pleased to participate in the free meal program to ensure all students are ready for in- person instruction and activities," Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati said in a letter to parents this week. "It is critical for our families who typically qualify or may now qualify for free and reduced meals submit their application to ensure the continuity of important programming."

District officials said they received a waiver from the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue providing free meals for all students through June 10, 2022.

The free and reduced lunch application is available online: http://www.myschoolapps.com/