Lakota families who need help covering school meals can apply starting Saturday, Aug. 1, for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch during the 2026-27 school year.
The first day of school is Thursday, Aug. 13, and the district is urging families to submit applications quickly. Students must pack a lunch or bring money until an official approval letter arrives by mail, so early applications mean fewer days out of pocket.
A key change this year: the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will cover the full cost of meals even for students who qualify at the reduced-price level, according to the district's Child Nutrition website.
How to apply
Families apply online through LINQ Connect at linqconnect.com by selecting "Lakota Local School District (Liberty Twp, Ohio)" from the district dropdown menu and following the guided steps. The Lakota Child Nutrition Office said online applications go directly to staff, eliminating the risk of paper forms getting lost.
Submit only one application per family. It must include everyone living in the household and total household income before taxes.
Who qualifies
The application considers two factors: household size and total household income before taxes. Income includes wages, Social Security, pension, unemployment, welfare, child support, alimony and any other cash received in the prior month. Specific income thresholds are available at linqconnect.com or at the Yankee Road office.
Why it matters beyond meals
Qualifying for meal assistance may also help families access other state or federally funded school programs, the Lakota Child Nutrition Office said.
Lakota Local School District serves roughly 17,000 students across West Chester Township and Liberty Township. Based on 2021-24 enrollment data, about one in four Lakota students has been eligible for the program.
Upcoming
- Thursday, Aug. 13 — First day of school for Lakota students, 2026-27 school year
