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NewsWSVN 7 News MiamiAugust 4, 2026Miami-Dade

Miami-Dade and Broward school districts end universal free lunch programs

Miami-Dade and Broward County Public Schools are ending universal free lunch programs for all students due to the depletion of COVID-19 grant funding. While breakfast remains free in Broward, only 121 specific Miami-Dade schools will continue to provide universal free breakfast and lunch for the 2026-27 school year.

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Read the full story at WSVN 7 News Miami

Why It Matters

Families at schools not included in the 121-school list will now need to apply for free or reduced-price meal programs or pay for school lunches, marking a shift from the previous universal access model.

Key Facts

  • Universal free lunch programs are ending for most students in Miami-Dade and Broward County school districts.
  • 121 schools in Miami-Dade County will continue to provide universal free breakfast and lunch for the 2026-27 school year.
  • Broward County will continue to provide free breakfast to all students, but lunch will no longer be universal.
  • The change is attributed to the depletion of surplus COVID-19 grant funding.
  • New menu items in Miami-Dade include Wild Caught Salmon Nuggets, Louisiana Chicken Fillet, and Red Lentil Falafel.
  • New menu items in Broward include plant-based Fiesta Salad, plant-based Fiesta wrap, and Cajun fries.
  • New food standards in Miami-Dade exclude food dyes, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and high-fructose corn syrup.

Who's Mentioned

other121“Number of Miami-Dade schools remaining in the universal free meal program”organizationMiami-Dade Public Schools“School district implementing meal program changes”organizationBroward County Public Schools“School district implementing meal program changes”personElizabeth Seeley“Registered dietitian for BCPS”personAngie Kasleikis“M-DCPS Food Nutrition Officer”