RENO, Nevada — Most Nevada schools have reopened, but some families still need to apply for free meals this year, as the state cut funding that provided free breakfast and lunch to all students for the past four years.

“We know that when students leave on Friday afternoon, they may not get a proper meal until they come back to school on Monday. That’s really important to us,” said Food Services Director Dan Pimm.

Many schools in the state continue to offer free meals to all students, thanks to their Community Eligible Provision (CEP) status. This status applies to schools where at least 25 percent of the population lives at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level.

In Washoe County, 68 schools meet this requirement, meaning families at the other 35 schools in the district must also apply for the program.

“Just check that out, fill out an application, call our office and we’ll walk you through the steps, whatever it takes,” said Adam Searcy, Chief Operations Officer for the Washoe County School District.

Some groups have criticized Gov. Joe Lombardo’s decision to veto a bill that would have continued state funding for free meals for every student. In response, the governor issued a statement Wednesday noting that more than 80% of Nevada students still qualify for free meals through their school’s CEP designation and that ending the funding will help “eliminate food waste.”

“It’s a problem that our state is going to grapple with again. In the meantime, we’re making sure that we optimize it for as many students as possible, as many families as possible, not only how we use our resources, but how we communicate with those families,” Searcy said.

The governor also said he will reevaluate funding for free meals in the future if there is a greater need among students.