Dear Parents and Guardians,
For the past several years, Superior Central has offered free breakfast and lunch to all students through the Michigan School Meals Program (MSM) and the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) supported by the state federal government. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is strongly recommending that districts continue to offer free meals through at least September 30, 2025, while state budget negotiations continue. However, the future of the statewide free meal program beyond September 30 is currently uncertain. If the funding for the MSM program is not secured in the next state budget, our school may need to return to the previous system of collecting Free and Reduced Meal Applications from households to determine eligibility for free or reduced-price meals.
To ensure your child's access to free or reduced-price meals beyond September, we strongly encourage you to complete an Education and Nutrition Benefits Application as soon as possible or be prepared to do so if needed (it will be in your back to school packet). This application helps determine if your child qualifies for benefits based on household income.
Important points to remember:
Free meals are expected to continue through September 30, 2025.
The continuation of free meals beyond September 30, 2025, depends on state budget decisions.
Completing an Education and Nutrition Benefits Application can help your child qualify for free or reduced-price meals if the universal free meal program is not renewed.
Families who have already been approved for free or reduced meals during the 2024-2025 school year will have a 30-day grace period at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year.
This application also helps our school receive vital funding for other educational programs and support services.
We understand that this uncertainty can be concerning, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these changes. We will continue to keep you informed of any updates regarding the school meal program as they become available.
If you have any questions, please contact me at bvalima@superiorcentralschools.org or (906) 439-5588.
Sincerely,
Bill Valima
Superintendent/6-12 Principal