Local

Two Rowan-Salisbury elementary schools to lose free breakfast, lunch benefit next year

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Parents who are on a budget rely on schools to provide free breakfast and lunch for their children.

Currently, 12 schools in the Rowan-Salisbury School District offer free breakfast and lunch to all students, but starting next year, Knollwood and China Grove elementary schools are dropping off the list.

"I think that's a wonderful benefit that the kids are going to lose and the family," parent Wendy Smith said.

Gaston, Mecklenburg, Stanly, Union, Cabarrus and Catawba districts all have schools that utilize this federal benefit.

Watch the video above as Channel 9's Gina Esposito breaks down the federal guideline that's forcing the change and what parents can still do if they need help.