Plymouth Community School Corporation announces return of paid meals, community speaks out

PLYMOUTH, Ind. — The Plymouth Community School Corporation sent a letter to parents announcing the return of free, reduced and paid meals for the 2026-2027 school year.

The letter states "While we were proud to offer free meals these past two school years, unfortunately, the reimbursement received from the State and USDA is not enough to cover the increased cost of food."

For the upcoming school year, paid lunch will be $3.50 and paid breakfast will be $2.50. Reduced lunch will remain $.40 and reduced breakfast will be $.30.

If students qualify for state benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, TANF or are a foster, those benefits will be recognized in PCSC's School Nutrition Program.

If a family believes their household income will qualify them for free or reduced meals, they must fill out an income application at their child's school or online at www.nlappscloud.com any time after July 1.

This news shocked many who live in Plymouth and also sparked debate about whether students should have free lunch. While some feel the wellbeing of every child shouldn't fall on the taxpayers, others like Plymouth native, Robin Meyers, says feed the children.

"I think that we need to find the funding for it if we can find the funding for everything else in this town this needs to be a priority, feeding our kids. It’s our kids for crying out loud," said Meyers,

Just a few houses away is Chuck Etchason. He feels that kids should have free meals if they truly need it but expressed concern about people who currently receive free meals.

"If they really need it, that's fine, but we have a lot of people getting it that don't deserve it. They're not citizens of this country, I don't think that's right, but that's my opinion," Etchason explained.

The official memo from Plymouth Community School Corporation can be found below:

PCSC Official Memo of 2026-2027 Meal Pricing