The Academy of Seminole (TAOS) has announced that all students will receive two meals per day at no charge during the 2021-22 school term, which began Monday, Aug. 9.

According to Jadee Hoskison, TAOS Child Nutrition Manager, all enrolled students will receive free breakfast and lunch each day.

“We will still be requiring parent participation in filling out the free/reduced lunch application even if you do not feel you qualify. Please fill it out, it helps to ensure the continuation of free and reduced lunches as well as funding for our Title I and disadvantaged students,” TAOS officials said in statement posted to the school’s social media page.

In April, the United States Department of Agriculture announced that the universal free school lunch had been extended through the 2021-22 school year. Schools’ reimbursement rates will remain at the higher-than-normal rate to allow for healthier food purchases and pandemic-related costs, the agency said.

Studies show that more than 1 in 5 Oklahoma children don’t get enough food to eat, and schools have long filled a gap, providing meals for students who need them.