The Albuquerque Public Schools district is covering the cost of meals this year for students who qualify for reduced rates. District spokesman John Miller says a decision to start charging food providers for things like utilities has made money available for the meals.
About 7,000 students qualify for the reduced meals, which cost 40 cents for lunch and 30 cents for breakfast. Miller says the district expects to spend between $300,000 and $400,000 to pay for the lunches.