NEW FEDERAL PLAN COULD PROVIDE FREE MEALS TO MORE STUDENTS IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Thousands of students in Central Pennsylvania could benefit from a new federal proposal that would make it easier for districts to serve free school meals. The plan, announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture last month, would change qualifications to the community-eligibility program. It allows high-poverty schools to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students. Some school district leaders say, however,  they’re wary of facing a large bill if costs of offering the free meals to everyone exceeds the federal assistance.