Newark City Schools will offer student lunches for no charge for the remainder of the second semester after the Board of Education approved the change during its regular February board meeting earlier this week. The change will take effect on Tuesday, Feb. 20. District officials have determined that the district is able to offer lunches at no cost to students and families due to the financial stability of the food service budget.

Even though meals are currently offered at no charge for all students, it is important for families to fill out Free and Reduced Price Lunch forms if they have not yet done so. In addition to the food service budget, these forms affect district funding for technology, Title 1 and more departments that positively impact all Newark City Schools students. Additionally, any families who qualify for free lunches can have their fees waived.