Great Bend Public Schools (USD 428) is pleased to announce that free breakfast is now available for all students in PreK–12th grade for the remainder of the 2025–26 school year. Food Service teams began serving free breakfasts on January 6, when students returned to school following winter break.

The popular "second chance breakfast" at Great Bend High School is also included in the Free Breakfast Program.

The initiative was approved unanimously by the USD 428 Board of Education at its December meeting. Prior to the vote, Food Service leadership, led by Alvord, shared data highlighting the positive impact universal breakfast can have on student participation, access to nutritious meals, and overall readiness to learn.

Alvord also outlined projected costs for the program, noting that federal funds cannot be used to cover universal breakfast. Despite this, district leaders emphasized that expanding access to breakfast remains a priority, recognizing the critical role nutrition plays in student health, focus, and academic success.

Board members expressed appreciation for Alvord’s leadership and the Food Service team’s continued commitment to providing high-quality meals each day. The approval of universal free breakfast reflects USD 428’s ongoing investment in student wellness and its dedication to supporting every student’s opportunity to succeed.

Learn more about USD 428's Food & Nutrition Program by visiting GreatBendSchoolMeals.com.