USDA leader addresses National School Lunch Program at Cristo Rey School in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A leader from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) visited Cristo Rey School in Milwaukee Monday, Sept. 12. 

USDA Deputy Under Secretary Stacy Dean met with students and faculty to answer questions about changes to the National School Lunch Program. 

Before June of this year, any student could receive school meals for free. 

Now, the program is back to pre-pandemic status -- meaning most students will have to apply for a free or reduced meal.

The USDA says for households applying through an income-based application, free school meals are available to students in households with income below 130% of the federal poverty line, and reduced-price meals are available to students in households with income between 130 and 185% of the federal poverty line.

For information about how to apply for free or reduced meals, contact your local school district.