US Representative Dr. Henry Cuellar Announces over $50 Million in Federal Reimbursements

Posted Date: 08/29/2024

US Representative Dr. Henry Cuellar Announces over $50 Million in Federal Reimbursements to Local School Districts

Congressman Henry Cuellar announced federal reimbursements totalling $50.7 million for school nutrition programs at public schools in Webb County.

United Independent School District received over $33 million in reimbursements.

He was joined by Mayor Victor Treviño, UISD Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz and District administrators, and representatives from Laredo Independent School District and Webb Consolidated School District, and other community leaders.

This funding ensures that eligible students in Webb County can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at no cost. UISD provides free breakfast and lunch for all students.

The federal funding comes from USDA’s National School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

The goal is to provide adequate food to safeguard the health and well-being of our school children while addressing food insecurities for low-income families and their children. These programs aim to promote good eating habits by providing nutritionally balanced, free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch for students to enjoy.

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