

The Excelsior Springs School District (ESSD40) has officially announced the extension of its free lunch and breakfast program for all students, covering the remainder of the current school year and throughout the summer school session. This initiative comes at a critical time, coinciding with extended testing periods across the district, ensuring that students have access to nutritious meals during important academic evaluations.
ESSD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mark Bullimore emphasized in an email sent to parents on April 30, 2024 the district’s commitment to student well-being, stating, “There’s compelling evidence showing the critical link between nutrition and learning success. By ensuring every student has access to nutritious meals, we’re investing in their futures and supporting healthy eating habits that fuel academic excellence.”
The decision to continue the meal program follows its notable success, particularly during breakfast hours, reinforcing the district’s dedication to this cause. Recognizing the broader community needs, ESSD40 is expanding access to the free meal program to any child under 18 in the community during the summer school period.
While this program is not permanent, ESSD40 is committed to addressing the community’s needs, particularly as the school year ends. Parents and guardians seeking more information on the summer school meal program and eligibility for children under 18 should contact the school district or their child’s school.
The initiative has received significant community support, with former ESSD educator and coach Sherri Branson-Hurt commenting, “I love and support this! Thank you! I wish and feel that our government would/should provide Free breakfast and lunch for all students year round! If our government can send billions of our US dollars overseas, they should/can provide all children free breakfast and lunch! No child in our nation should ever experience hunger!!!!”
Parent Kimberly Boeschen expressed gratitude, noting, “Thank you! I know this will help so many families. Wish this was something that was done throughout the entire school year.”
The topic of universal free meals in schools has been a point of debate statewide. Excelsior Springs State Representative Doug Richey shared his views opposing student universal meals with The Heartlander in February 2023, suggesting there has been a detrimental shift in the role of public schools towards becoming a center for social services and away from education. “We started that a long time ago,” stated Richey. “And now we are absolutely connected to this concept, that a public school district is the hub for the Department of Mental Health, Social Services Children’s Division, Health and Senior Services, Medicaid programs.”
During the 2023 legislative session, Representative Brian Seitz (R) introduced a bill proposing free daily breakfast and lunch for all public school students, though it was eventually stalled in committee. As the discussion at the State Capitol continues, the community and other schools across the state are grappling with implementing and sourcing funding for such programs.
The free meal program hasn’t come without issues. The district acknowledged there have been some technical issues with applying meal credits to accounts. Deputy Superintendent Bullimore advised any affected families to contact the school district directly at 816-630-9200 for corrections.
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