Incoming Puerto Rican students eligible for free school meals

school lunch apple

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced Friday that Puerto Rican students displaced by Hurricane Maria will be able to get free school meals through the National School Lunch Program.

That’s “in response to the ongoing crisis in Puerto Rico and in preparation for an influx of evacuees,” Putnam’s office said in a release.

Since 2012, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has overseen the state’s school nutrition programs.

“Federal laws allow students in households evacuating a designated disaster area access to free school meals,” it said.

“Our neighbors and fellow Americans in Puerto Rico need all the help and support we can provide,” Putnam said. “To any families fleeing Puerto Rico and coming to Florida, you will not have to worry about how you’re going to pay for your child’s school meals.”

For more information, call (800) 504-6609 or email [email protected].

Staff Reports



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