Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) announced $14,477,723 in federal funding for Starr County school districts for free or reduced meals for students in Starr County for the 2023 to 2024 school year.

“These federal dollars will provide free, quality, and nutritious meals for our students,” said Rep. Cuellar. “These funds have also previously been utilized by school districts for essential equipment to allow staff to provide food services in Starr County. In Congress, I will continue to fight to ensure our students have the resources they need to succeed. I would like to thank Starr County School district Superintendents, food service workers, and educators for their continued commitment to our students' success.”

Roma ISD received a total of $5,922,078, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD received a total of $8,366,325, and San Isidro ISD received a total of $186,320. This funding ensures that each student in Roma ISD, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD, and San Isidro ISD can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at no cost.

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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