Over 235,000 students in the state are now eligible to receive meals at no cost or at reduced prices at school.

The New Mexico Public Health Department revealed the news, according to KOAT 7.

The free and low-cost lunches were made possible by House Bill 10, which was passed during the 2020 legislative session. The bill mandates that the New Mexico Public Education Department (NM PED) will subsidize copayments for families participating in the reduced-price lunch program.

"New Mexico puts a priority on feeding our kids," Michael Chavez, director of PED's Student Success and Wellness Bureau, said. "By covering these school meal copays, we're giving hard-working families one less bill to worry about at the end of the week."

Over 70% of New Mexican students are currently eligible for these meals, KOAT 7 reported.

Funds for the reduced-price lunch program had not yet been used because federal funds from the Keep Kids Fed Act, which provides free meals to all students, were being utilized.

With the expiration of the Keep Kids Fed Act program this month, the state's program will now waive copayments for reduced-price lunches.

Students can apply for free or reduced-price school meals through their respective schools, according to KOAT 7. Applications can be submitted at any time, and eligibility is determined by a household's income and size.