Montana public school students whose families receive Medicaid benefits will be automatically enrolled in free and reduced-price meal programs during the next school year.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen says the state is one of 15 to be selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to participate in the trial program. It will use Medicaid eligibility data as a way to certify students from low-income families for free and reduced-price meals beginning during the 2023-2024 school year.
Arntzen said in a statement the new program will streamline the enrollment process and allow schools to spend less time reviewing applications.
The state Office of Public Instruction says nearly 40% of public school students qualify for free and reduced-price meals this year.
