Parents Thrilled About TPS Free Breakfast, Lunch Program

Some bring a brown bag; others love the lunch line. But now, no matter what the situation, all kids who attend elementary school in Tulsa get to eat breakfast and lunch for free.

"At least they are guaranteed to get two meals a day no matter what the income level,” said parent Lindsay Gregg. “I think it's great.”

Gregg's daughter Anna is a second grader at Carnegie Elementary. A district provided meal costs on average $2.70. She thinks the money will make a big difference for many families.

"That's $25 a week and $100 a month anybody could use," said Gregg.

Gregg also has a son in high school. She wishes the district had a similar program when he was younger.

"There were times when I would have to leave work and run up to the school,” she recalled. “I mean everyone forgets, doesn't make you a bad parent. It's natural.”

The child nutrition program launches this coming school year and replaces the free and reduced meals program for elementary aged kids, meaning parents won't have to apply and kids won't feel the stigma of being on such a program.

“Kids that get free and reduced lunch don't have to feel like they are lower income,” said Gregg. “Nobody should feel like that. Everyone struggles sometime. Everyone needs help."

And now that all elementary kids are guaranteed two free meals they can focus on learning.

“They can focus on instruction,” said Blaine Young. “They're just going to feel better."

And for those that don't need the savings right now, “Put it in a savings for your kid that way they can go to college," said Gregg.