For some Modesto children, the free meal available at their school could be their only nutritious meal of the day.
In 2021, around 84% of Modesto City Elementary students qualified for free or reduced-price lunch , while in its high school district, 64% qualified. In addition, around 17% of students live in food-insecure households in Stanislaus County — three points higher than the state average of 14%.
Under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Eligibility Provision , all students in Modesto City Schools can receive free breakfast and lunch during the school year without needing meal applications or household income verification, according to the district…