Western Placer schools in Lincoln to offer free breakfast, lunch for all students
The Western Placer Unified School District announced that breakfast and lunch will be available at no charge to all students at participating schools during the 2026-27 school year through the district’s Provision 2 meal program.
Christina Lawson, director of food services for the district in Lincoln and Sheridan, said school meals traditionally had been offered based on household income, with students qualifying for free, reduced-price or paid meals.
However, California’s Universal Meals Program provides free breakfast and lunch to all public school students through the National School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program.
“As the first state in the nation to implement Universal Meals, California now ensures that every student attending a public school can receive breakfast and lunch at no cost, regardless of household income,” Lawson said. “There is no application or sign-up required. Every student has access to free meals every school day.”
Lawson said the program was funded through a combination of federal and state dollars.
“Federal reimbursements cover meals for students who qualify for free meals and a portion of the cost for students who qualify for reduced-price meals,” she said. “California then provides additional funding to cover the remaining costs, ensuring that all students can eat at no charge.”
The district also is participating in California’s Rural Summer Feeding Program.
Through the program, families can receive meal kits containing seven breakfasts and seven lunches per child each week throughout the summer at no cost.
“This allows us to continue supporting students even when school is not in session,” Lawson said.
Lawson said the district’s goal was to provide students with nutritious meals year-round.
“Our goal is not simply to provide food, but to serve meals that are nutritious, delicious and made with care,” she said. “By offering free meals during both the school year and the summer months, we can help ensure students have the nourishment they need to learn, grow and thrive all year long.”
This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 7:56 AM.
