Earthquake: The Long Road Back : Free School Meals Available

Ventura County children whose families had to leave their homes because of last week’s earthquake can qualify for free school breakfasts and lunches, regardless of the family’s income, officials said.

The state Child Nutrition Department will reimburse the cost to local school districts in counties declared federal disaster areas, officials said. Parents can request the meals simply by calling the child’s school.

About 174 Simi Valley High School students have applied for the aid, but very few elementary school students have come forward, said Judy LaRossa, director of food services for the Simi Valley Unified School District.

“Maybe the word hasn’t gotten out,” she said.

In the other Ventura County school district hardest hit by the 6.6 quake, Fillmore Unified, officials were not available to comment on the number of quake victims who have applied for the meals program.