The Marion School District will give patrons a chance to win $50 or $100 gift cards as part of a new incentive program to encourage qualifying families to sign up for the free and reduced-price meals program this school year.
The incentive program is being offered through a partnership with “No Kid Hungry,” a national organization working to end child hunger in the United States.
Starting in September, the district will draw the names of two families weekly, with each receiving a $50 gift card. All families who submit an application for free or reduced meals will be included in the drawing. Drawings for $50 gift cards will be held on Sept. 9, Sept. 16, and Sept. 23. On Sept. 30, two $100 gift cards will be given away.
Under new federal rules, the Marion School District is no longer able to provide meals at no cost to all students. This means that families who qualify for free and reduced meals must apply in order to access the benefit. Families who do not apply will pay full price for meals in the 2022-23 school year.
Families can apply for free and reduced-price meals online by following the link at www.msd3.org/page/child-nutrition. Paper applications can also be picked up at any school, or at the district’s Central Office. Only one application per household is required. Income eligibility guidelines are available at the website above.
The benefits of the free and reduced-price meal program extend beyond school meals. Additional benefits for qualifying families include:
- Discounted Internet service
- Discounts on ACT testing fees for juniors and seniors
- Discounts on application fees from participating colleges
- Weekly food bags from our school pantry (for families of enrolled students)
- Discounted price for after-school care from the Boys & Girls Club
Meal Prices
Currently, the district is experiencing food costs at record levels. To help offset some of these costs, lunch prices increased for the 2022-23 school year. Breakfast is available to all students at no charge. This will be the district’s first increase in meal prices since 2017.
Meal costs for the 2022-23 school year are as follows:
- Student breakfast: no charge
- Elementary lunch: $3.00 (PreK-6th grade)
- Secondary lunch: $3.50 (Grades 7-12)
- Adult breakfast: $2.50
- Adult lunch: $4.40
For assistance completing the application or for questions, please contact the Child Nutrition office at 870-739-5100.
The Marion School District is an innovative and growing district committed to helping every student find their unique path to success in school and in life. With more than 150 years of experience serving families in Crittenden County, the district offers a high school, a junior high, and three award-winning magnet schools. For enrollment information, including information on school choice, visit https://www.msd3.org/ or call 870-739-5100.