More Utah County kids qualifying for free lunches

PROVO, Utah (AP) — Utah County school districts say they're seeing an increase in the number of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Qualifying for free or reduced-price school meals is based on household income. Students from families who make less than 130 percent of the poverty level for their family size can receive free school lunches, as well as breakfasts.

Last year in the Provo School District, 40.5 percent of meals were served for free or a reduced cost. This year, it is up to 43.8 percent.

In the Alpine School District, free and reduced-price lunches served increased from 19.85 percent last year to just over 21 percent this year.

Nebo School District supervisor of food services Bill Vest reported an increase of a little more than 1 percent to about 30 percent.