Zumbrota-Mazeppa Public Schools’ Food & Nutrition Department has cancelled its free summer meal program after not meeting federal eligibility requirements to operate a site. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), requires that at least 50% of a district’s students qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on U.S. Census data. Zumbrota-Mazeppa did not meet this threshold for the upcoming summer.

The district explored alternative options with the Minnesota Department of Education; however, no viable solutions are currently available, and federal guidelines do not allow the use of excess federal funds to operate the program independently.

Families are encouraged to utilize nearby qualifying meal sites, such as those in Red Wing, which are open to all children regardless of district enrollment.

Zumbrota-Mazeppa Public Schools remains committed to supporting student nutrition and will continue to monitor eligibility data, with the goal of reinstating the free summer meal program in future years when federal qualifications are met.

Questions/Concerns
Call Brenton at (507) 732-1419 or by email at brentl@zmsch.k12.mn.us.

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