Cuellar announces $14.4 million for free or reduced-price school meals in Starr County 

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – Congressman Henry Cuellar has announced $14.47 million in federal funding for Starr County school districts for free or reduced-price meals for students.

The federal funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

Cuellar said the funds can be used to provide free school breakfasts, lunches, dinners and after school snacks.

“This is so important for the child, because if the child is not hungry, they’re ready to learn,” Cuellar told the Rio Grande Guardian.

“It’s important for the school, because the kids are ready to learn. It’s good for the parents also, because they don’t have to buy the breakfast, the lunch or the dinner. And it is important for Starr County because 85 percent of all the kids here et either free lunches or reduced-price lunches.”

Cuellar, a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, gave an interview to the Guardian after making the announcement at Delia G. Garcia Elementary School in Roma. 

He said Roma ISD received a total of $5,922,078, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD received a total of $8,366,325, and San Isidro ISD received a total of $189,320. 

“This funding ensures that each student in Roma ISD, Rio Grande City Grulla ISD, and San Isidro ISD can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at no cost,” said Cuellar, proudly.

“These federal dollars will provide free, quality, and nutritious meals for our students,” Cuellar said, pointing out that the funds can also be used by school districts for essential equipment to allow staff to provide food services in Starr County.

“In Congress, I will continue to fight to ensure our students have the resources they need to succeed. I would like to thank Starr County school district superintendents, food service workers, and educators for their continued commitment to our students’ success.”

Photo: Ron Whitlock/Ron Whitlock Reports.

Rio Grande City Grulla ISD Interim Superintendent Elsa V. Morris said the goal is to provide adequate food to safeguard the health and well-being of her school children while addressing food insecurities for low-income families and their children. She said the SBP and NSLP programs aim to promote good eating habits by providing nutritionally balanced, free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch for students to enjoy.

“These crucial funds will greatly enhance our Child Nutrition Programs, allowing us to purchase essential supplies, upgrade equipment, and expand services to ensure our students continue receiving nutritious meals. With this funding, we can sustain and improve our breakfast, lunch, and after-school meal programs, directly benefiting our students’ health and well-being,” Morris said.

Local school districts manage the program in their schools and receive cash subsidies and USDA foods for each reimbursable meal they serve, Morris explained. She said schools may also receive reimbursements for snacks served to students participating in approved afterschool programs which include educational and enrichment activities.

Photo: Ron Whitlock/Ron Whitlock Reports.

Patsy Ramirez is Rio Grande City Grulla ISD’s child nutrition director. She expressed deep appreciation for the federal investment.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of providing healthy, delicious meals and the positive impact this funding will have on our ability to meet the needs of our students and community,” Ramirez said.

“We are excited about the opportunities this funding will bring and remain committed to ensuring that every student in our district has access to the nutritious meals they need to thrive both academically and physically.”

Editor’s Note: Here is an audio recoding of an interview Ron Whitlock secured with Congressman Cuellar at Delia G. Garcia Elementary School in Roma:

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