Coral Springs families will need to submit applications for free or reduced-price lunches as the universal meal program ends for the 2025-2026 school year
Coral Springs, Florida – Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, families with students in Broward County Public Schools in Coral Springs will need to apply for free or reduced-price lunch. This change marks the end of a two-year period during which all students were provided free lunch through special federal programs and funding.
According to a recent announcement from school officials, this shift comes as funding from those programs is coming to an end. While lunch prices will now be dependent on a student’s eligibility, breakfast will remain free for all students through a federal program. This means that although the free lunch program is being phased out, students can still enjoy a free breakfast at school.
“Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, families will need to apply to determine if their child qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch,” the school district stated in a Friday press release. “This will be a necessary step for students who do not automatically qualify based on their circumstances.”
For families already benefiting from programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), Head Start, foster care, or for those students who are homeless or migrant, there is no need to fill out an application. These students will continue receiving free lunches without the need for additional paperwork.
However, for students who do not meet the criteria for automatic enrollment, school lunch prices will increase by $1 for the 2025-2026 school year. The new prices will be as follows: elementary school lunches will cost $3, middle school lunches will be $3.35, and high school lunches will be $3.50. Students who qualify for reduced lunch will only need to pay $0.40 per meal.
In addition to the lunch price changes, families can now begin preparing for the application process. The meal application will be available online starting July 14, 2025, at www.myschoolapps.com. This will allow families to submit their applications and determine eligibility for free or reduced-price lunches before the school year begins. Additionally, families can set up a My School Bucks account starting on July 28, 2025, at www.myschoolbucks.com to manage meal and snack payments online.
School officials are urging families to complete the application process as soon as possible to ensure students receive the appropriate meal pricing. For those who need assistance or have questions about the application process, resources will be available through the school district.
As Coral Springs families prepare for the upcoming school year, this change marks a return to more traditional meal pricing after two years of universal free lunch. Parents are encouraged to stay informed and take the necessary steps to ensure their children continue to have access to affordable meals during the school day.
