Since 2023-24, Park has helped students receive free breakfast and lunch meals at Park for completely free. The National School Lunch Program is a program that runs in statewide public schools, allowing students to receive healthy, reduced-price meals and formalizing federal support for school lunches. Park applied this program to the district supporting all students, regardless of family income or status.
Director of Business Services for Park Patricia Magnuson said the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) allows Park to receive reduced-price student meals, including first lunches and breakfasts. Minnesota implemented legislation that covers the rest of the cost, supporting the school’s efforts.
“Right now, we are part of the federal school lunch program in St. Louis Park,” Magnuson said. “We get federal aid for a free and reduced-price lunch, but under current law, the state of Minnesota fully funds the remainder of the cost. Because we’re a part of the federal program, we are able to offer free lunch and breakfast because the state of Minnesota picks up the difference and covers a first meal, first breakfast and a first lunch, but it doesn’t cover seconds , and it doesn’t cover snacks.”
According to sophomore Mashood Ahmed, the lack of funding for school lunch programs can significantly impact students, as free meals are a necessity that provide every student with a variety of choices.
“Free lunches and breakfasts are an important option because if there’s no funding, then the school is going to charge money for the lunches,” Ahmed said. “People who don’t have money can’t eat, so they’re starving themselves because of (their) lack of choices.”Sophomore Jameson Labarbera said the quality of Park’s meals this year are significantly better compared to last year’s. However, he said he prefers the school’s meals to have options that are more traditional and nutritious.
“I believe the school lunch (this year) was definitely better than last year’s options, as most (last year) were cold and dry,” Labarbera said. “Other than that, it doesn’t necessarily impact me because we don’t have a wide variety of food options. For example, if we had more healthy options, or more cultural options, that would have worked much better.”
Ahmed said Park’s meals are well-rounded with nutrients and proteins, such as milk and a variety of foods. He said he believes the school has more capabilities in providing nourishing foods towards students.
“The school lunch is balanced — there’s fruit (and) there’s different varieties of fruit. You can choose between different lunches, you can choose what milk you want,” Ahmed said. “I think (school lunch) has lots of potential.”
According to Magnuson, budget cuts will not hurt lunches. She said Park’s nutrition program is flourishing and meeting its current needs. Magnuson said Park’s goal for the coming year is poised for growth, introducing new equipment for its kitchen as well as home-cooked and nutritious meals.
“(Budget cuts) will not impact lunches — our school nutrition program is really thriving, it’s doing very well,” Magnuson said. “Their focus for next year is really to expand because now they’re learning about the new equipment in the kitchen. They’re hoping to expand some of their offerings and more scratch cooking, more fruits and vegetables. We’re hoping to just continue to get better for school nutrition.”
