Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced $2,678,762 in federal funding for Zapata County ISD for free or reduced meals for Zapata County ISD students for the 2023 to 2024 school year.

“I’m pleased to announce over $2.6 million in federal reimbursements for Zapata County ISD towards providing free or reduced-cost meals for our children. Providing our children with high-quality meals is essential to ensuring their success in school and will provide comfort knowing they don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,” said Dr. Cuellar.  “In Congress, I will continue to fund, support, and expand these critical programs. I would like to thank County Judge Joseph Rathmell, Child Nutrition Program Director Lesvia Cuellar, Zapata County Superintendent Dr. Roberta R. Treviño, Board of Trustees President Manuel Gonzalez Jr., and the county commissioners for working with me to deliver for the students in Zapata.”

This funding ensures that each student in Zapata County ISD can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at no cost. Additionally, the salaries of our dedicated food service employees and the essential equipment needed to run these programs are fully funded by federal resources.

The federal funding comes from USDA’s National School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

The goal is to provide adequate food to safeguard the health and well-being of our school children while addressing food insecurities for low-income families and their children. These programs aim to promote good eating habits by providing nutritionally balanced, free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch for students to enjoy.

Local school districts manage the program in their schools and receive cash subsidies and USDA foods for each reimbursable meal they serve. Schools may also receive reimbursements for snacks served to students participating in approved afterschool programs which include educational and enrichment activities.

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