DMPS to Offer Free Meals for the 2021-22 School Year

Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impact on the supply chain, some food and beverages normally provided to students may not be available.  Click here to read more about how DMPS is responding to this global challenge.

The Des Moines Public Schools Food and Nutrition team is pleased to announce every student will have access to free meals during the 2021-22 school year.

Thanks to a U.S. Department of Agriculture program called Seamless Summer Option (SSO), DMPS has the funding to offer a free breakfast and lunch to every student, every school day, regardless of income.

“We were elated to be able to opt into this federal program put in place to help districts navigate the ongoing pandemic,” said Amanda Miller, Director of DMPS Food and Nutrition. “This option puts meals in every belly, eliminates extra paperwork for us and for families, and shortens contact time between staff and students.”

In order to receive a free meal, students will need to select at least three items deemed healthy and nutritious by the USDA. Staff will help students making those selections.

No further action is required by families for students to receive free meals at school.

However, if families would like to apply for P-EBT, or related programs, they will need to meet income requirements and fill out an application to be considered.

To read more about the SSO, including the nondiscrimination policy and frequently asked questions about applying for other federal food assistance, click here.

DMPS Food and Nutrition serves more than 20,000 students each day, powering learning at all of our schools. Menus for 2021-22 are still being finalized but will be available online before school begins. We are hiring! Those interested in working in food service at DMPS should visit Jobs@DMPS to view openings.