Breakfast and lunch is FREE for all Monte Rio School students 

during the 2025-26 school year! No application is required.

Monte Rio Union School District Free Meals Press Release 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Liza Eichert, Principal
Email: leichert@monteriousd.org
Phone: 707-239-3753
Website: https://sites.google.com/monteriousd.org/mrusd/school-meals-health-and-wellness

Monte Rio Union School District Announces Free Meals for All Students in 2025–2026

Monte Rio, CA — Monte Rio Union School District announced today that it will continue to provide nutritious meals to all students every school day under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the 2025–2026 school year.

Effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, all students enrolled at Monte Rio Union School District are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at no charge, regardless of household income.

The California Universal Meals Program, which continues in 2025–2026, is designed to ensure all students are well-nourished, supported in their overall wellness, and ready to learn each day. At Monte Rio School, this program is part of a broader commitment to student health, including access to balanced meals, nutrition education, and a focus on whole-child well-being.

Benefits of the Program

• Universal Access: All students may receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day

• No Application Required for Meals: Families do not need to complete a meal application for their children to participate

• Reduced Stigma: Providing meals to all students fosters an inclusive environment and removes barriers associated with income-based programs

Important Information for Families

While meals are free for all students, families are strongly encouraged to complete the 2025–2026 Alternative Income Form if requested. This information is essential for determining eligibility for additional funding and programs that directly benefit students and the school community.

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

For More Information

Liza Eichert, Principal
Monte Rio Union School District
Email: leichert@monteriousd.org
Phone: 707-239-3753
Website: https://sites.google.com/monteriousd.org/mrusd/school-meals-health-and-wellness

Here are some more resources to help your family find food and hot meals:

2-1-1 Sonoma County

• Referrals to food programs, plus help to apply for CalFresh.

• Dial 2-1-1 or (800) 325-9604

• 211SONOMA.ORG

Redwood Empire Food Bank

• Find food distribution sites near you, Food Connections Market, emergency food boxes, senior baskets, diapers, and help to apply for CalFresh. Open Monday-Friday.

• (707) 523-7903

• REFB.ORG

  • FOOD FINDER

Women, Infant Children Program, Department of Health Services (WIC)

• A program for pregnant women and children to age five who are low-income, plus help to apply for CalFresh.

• (707) 565-6590

• SONOMA COUNTY WIC

Catholic Charities

• Referrals to rural food sites, food pantries, plus help to apply for CalFresh.

• (707) 528-8712

• SRCHARITIES.ORG

FoodFinder

• Find a list of the closest food pantries in your community.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement 

Link to this section

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027

 (PDF), found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 866-632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

• mail:
  U.S. Department of Agriculture
  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
  1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410
  Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

• fax:
  202-690-7442; or

• email:
  Program.Intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.