All SDOC Students to Receive Free Meals

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the governing body that oversees school meals. USDA has extended a waiver to allow all students, regardless of income level, to receive free breakfast and lunch during school.  This waiver is valid through December 31, 2020, or until congressional appropriated funding runs out.  Free meals for all face-to-face students will begin Wednesday, September 16th. Please note that students can receive one breakfast and one lunch per day for free.  Any additional meals or a la carte items will be at regular price.  

The USDA waiver allows districts to refund the cost of student meals purchased between September 1st and September 16th. SDOC will credit each student’s account for meals purchased during this time. Students will not receive credit for a la carte items or for more than one breakfast or lunch purchased on the same day.  The credit process will occur over the next several weeks.

Since the waiver is set to expire at the end of the calendar year, we strongly encourage families to still complete an Application for Free & Reduced Lunch to be sure they can continue to receive free or reduced-price meals after the waiver expires. This is the only way to guarantee continued free meals or reduced price meals for those that qualify.

SDOC@Home Students

This waiver applies to SDOC@Home students as well.  Meals for SDOC@Home students are available for pick up each Thursday at the Bountyland Education Campus (former Hamilton Career Center) from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.  Students will receive five breakfasts and five lunches, for a total of 10 meals, in a grocery-style package. SDOC@Home meals must be pre-ordered by 12:00pm (noon) Monday to pick up on Thursday.  To pre-order, families may call (864)718-5147 and provide the student(s)’ name and home school.  More information on SDOC@Home meals is available under the “2020-2021 School Year Information” link on the district website.