**FILE** The Maryland State Department of Education recently announced updates to the income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
**FILE** The Maryland State Department of Education recently announced updates to the income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Maryland Department of Education Updates Free and Reduced School Meal Eligibility

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) announced updates to the income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals on Aug. 29. The guidelines, updated annually by the federal government, were adopted by MSDE through June 30 of next year. 

An annual income of $19,578 for a single parent or $26,572 for a family of three now qualifies for free lunch; while $27,861 for a single parent or $37,814 for a family of three qualifies for reduced lunch. 

Residents must submit an application in order to officially qualify for the assistance.

“Access to healthy, nutritious meals during the school day is an essential part of being ready to learn,” said State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright. “We encourage all families to look for information about the free and reduced-price meal application process at the beginning of the school year from their child’s school.”

More than 585,000 Maryland children were enrolled in Summer EBT, a program to provide free summer groceries for low-income families, before the application deadline closed on Aug. 31. This is at least 40,0000 more than previously expected.

For additional information, visit eatsmartmaryland.org or contact the Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs at 410-767-0219.

Gov. Moore Announces $20 Million Education Partnership With Arnold Ventures

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D)  announced $20 million total in grant awards for the Saga Education tutoring program and the ASSISTments online educational tool on Aug. 29. 

The awards are the first under the Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs, a philanthropic funding partnership between the State of Maryland and Arnold Ventures, to scale and expand programs that will help make progress on economic mobility and cradle-to-career outcomes.

“These programs have a proven track record of success,” said Moore. “We’ve seen the remarkable impact they have on allowing young people from all backgrounds to reach their full potential. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Arnold Ventures. Together, we will open paths to work, wages, and wealth for Marylanders; grow our economy; and leave no one behind.”

Through this partnership, Arnold Ventures will provide up to $20 million over the next four years in matching funds to select programs engaged with governmental entities, including: state and local agencies, county and municipal governments, school districts, and public colleges and universities, to scale and expand proven effective social programs in workforce training, education, and crime prevention. 

Through the partnership’s inaugural grant allocation, the Maryland State Department of Education and Arnold Ventures will contribute $10 million each. 

“This investment in our students will pay off as we scale up successful strategies, moving more students towards better academic outcomes,” said State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright. “We are excited to see the benefits of this partnership.”

Richard is a contributing writer with the Washington Informer, focusing on Prince George’s county’s political and business updates alongside sports. He graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore...

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