Food Centric Schools

We envision a community that embraces food justice where those most impacted are a leading voice in the solutions to poverty and hunger.

Why School Meals Are for Everyone

We know that kids can’t learn if their bellies aren’t full. And accessible meals for all is key in guaranteeing every student can focus on what's on their desk, not what’s on their plate. We are working closely with MCPS on our School Meals Campaign to make sure every child can put their learning first!

Read about our efforts this year and what you can do to take part.

A Letter to Missoula

Take Part

School Meals Engagement Series

Share your family’s experience with school meals and be part of a growing movement to make meals better and more accessible for all kids in our community.
Join us in gathering with community members and MFB&CC staff March 7th from 5:30-7pm. Dinner for all & childcare for school-aged children will be provided.

Show your support for universal school meals

Free & Reduced School Meal forms are back for the 2022-2023 school year.

Since March 2020, public school meals have been free to all students, but these waivers expired before the start of the 2022-23 school year. Families are now required to apply for free and reduced lunches. Families that meet an income threshold qualify for either free or reduced-cost school meals.

Head to the MCPS website to learn more and fill out the form.

Free & Reduced School Meal Form

HOW HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED SCHOOL MEALS?

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program connects neighbors with resources for food purchases. This is a step in the right direction toward addressing upstream causes of hunger and provides many access points to even more food access. Enrollment in the program acts as an avenue to achieve free school meals for schools with 63.7 percent of student families participating. Community members with SNAP receive double SNAP at farmers markets, incentivizing supporting local growers and getting double the amount of produce into people’s kitchens!

We have staff dedicated to helping ease the entry point into state application processes. We offer open SNAP hours in the store to guarantee shoppers an opportunity to connect with an expert, host events on the Kids Eat Free bus at local schools to bring applications right to parents, and we have a full time Application Specialist to guide folks through the process when they’re ready.

News & Media

Local News

Go Bananas for School Meals

Missoulian Guest View

Kids Benefit from Eating School Lunch

KPAX coverage

International Apple Day at local Elementary Schools

MTPR

SNAP Assistance Program

Montana Right Now

Continuing Breakfast in the Classroom

Facts On
Food Insecurity

School Meal Debt

Missoula County Public Schools students had over $42,000 in school meal debt at the start of this school year. Until balances were paid by a team of community members and the School Meals for All campaign, 83 high school graduates could not receive their diplomas.