LAUSD needs parents to apply for 'More than a Meal' program

MARINA DEL REY, Calif. (KABC) -- Under a new funding formula, the federal government gives the school district money not just for lunch, but additional cash for health and wellness, college applications and after-school programs.

"The 'More Than a Meal' campaign is an opportunity to let our families and our communities know that our meal application means more than just eating in the cafeteria," said LAUSD interim food service director Laura Benavidez.

"We buy intervention programs ... the little extra supplemental things that will help students," said Lorraine Machado, principal of Marina Del Rey Middle School.

"That fills that gap between lunch and breakfast the next morning for many of our participants," said Tim Bower, director of Beyond the Bell program.

Almost 600 LAUSD schools now offer creative salads and colorful spicy sandwiches at the end of the day.

Educators say the kids need fuel for success, but surprisingly, this program is open to more than school kids.

"The supper program is a meal that we provide to all of our after school participants and members of the community 18 and under every day after school," said Bower.

Bower says this service doesn't cost LAUSD money. Nevertheless, the district is urging parents to complete an application so the district can qualify for the federal funding to keep the program in place.

"If we don't have the numbers we need to be able to attest that there's needy students at school, then we won't be able to provide that funding," said Benavidez.

Participants will qualify for a free or reduced price meals based on income but Machado insists, "Everybody eats."

They are urging parents to fill out the applications and fast. Oct. 23 is the deadline for that head count, so that student information can go toward funding.

Parents who haven't done so can apply through the More than a Meal link.