Free Meals for All PTS Students

All Portage Township Schools students will be eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2023-2024 school year.

PTS will be implementing the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for meals served on the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the 2023-2024 school year.

"We are proud to be able to provide meals to all students free of charge for the upcoming school year through enrollment in the CEP," PTS superintendent Amanda Alaniz said. "We know that students learn best on a full stomach, and this program will ensure that is the case for all of our children."

All students enrolled at PTS are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at school at no charge each day of the 2023-2024 school year. No further action is required of families. All children will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit an application.

Questions may be directed to the PTS Food Service Department at (219)763-8008.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all PTS students eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch this school year?

Yes! All students enrolled in a PTS school are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch every school day during the 2023-2024 year.

Will I need to fill out an application in order for my children to receive free meals?

No, there is no application needed in order for your children to receive free meals this school year.

Do I need to pay a fee in order for my children to receive free meals?

No. All meals are completely free of charge for the 2023-2024 school year.

My children usually receive free meals through the Free/Reduced Meal program. Will I need to fill out an application this year?

All children will receive free breakfast and lunch, regardless of their Free/Reduced Meal status. We are waiting on further guidance from the USDA so that qualifying families can continue to receive the Free/Reduced associated benefits to include Summer EBT cards, 21st Century Scholars, college application fee assistance, and more.

What is included in a free meal?

Meals will continue to meet the standards and nutritional guidelines set by the USDA. Students are welcome to purchase additional food or a la carte items.

How can my child purchase a la carte or additional food items?

Students can make additional or a la carte purchases with a My School Bucks account. Visit www.myschoolbucks.com or download the My School Bucks app to create an account and add your children. You can then add money with a debit or credit card.

Which meals are free for students?

Each PTS student may receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day. A la carte and additional food items are available for purchase.

How is PTS able to offer free meals for students?

PTS is now eligible for the USDA's Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This nationwide program serves school districts who meet certain demographic eligibility criteria. The USDA will be providing the funding to support our enrollment in this program.

Will meals continue to be free for students following the 2023-2024 school year?

The CEP enrollment is a period of 4 school years. Once we reach the end of those 4 years, we will apply for the program again.

Are there other school districts in our area and in Indiana that receive CEP benefits?

Yes. There are a number of school districts, including some in our area, who are eligible and receive free meals for their students through CEP. Not all school districts may qualify.

Will there be textbook fees for 2023-2024?

PTS families will not be charged for course fees for the upcoming 2023-2024 per the State of Indiana. We will be sharing more information on this soon.