(WXIA) -- Thousands of Georgia students return to the classroom this week, and many of them meet the requirements for free and reduced-price meals during the school day.

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"It is important to provide our students with healthy, nutritious meals to help improve their chances of success and increase their learning opportunities," Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Director Nancy Rice said in a statement. "Research indicates that eating habits affect learning. We want to ensure all our children are well nourished and ready to learn."

Families that qualify for free and reduced-price lunch will get applications from their children's schools.

Students can receive the meals if:

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. -- Shopping for back to school supplies can present challenges for parents trying to make ends meet and the outlook is not improving. Huntingdon Bank’s Annual Backpack Index reports double digit increases in school supply costs.

As Fulton County, Atlanta and other metro Atlanta schools prepare to open for the fall, Fulton County Commission Chairman John H. Eaves, the Fulton County Office of Children and Youth and Fulton County Health and Wellness sponsored a back to school event on Tuesday, July 29 to help parents to obtain needed school supplies.

The event at Atlanta Technical College featured school supply giveaways and free haircuts along with information and education. The event attracted 500 participants with 224 children receiving haircuts and 300 taking home school supplies.

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. -- Fulton County parents or guardians searching for after school programs can take advantage of the after school program offered by Fulton County Parks and Recreation. Registration is now open for the program, which begins Monday, August 11 at four recreation centers located in unincorporated South Fulton.

The Parks and Recreation Afterschool Program will be open from 2:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. on weekdays when school is in session. The program services children between the ages of 5 and 12. The cost is $40 per child per week for unincorporated Fulton County residents, with a one-time registration fee of $15 per child. Space is limited, so interested parents or guardians are urged to register now.

The after school program locations include:

Burdett Park
2945 Burdett Road
College Park, 30349
Phone: 770-996-9145

Cliftondale Park
4645 Butner Road
College Park, 30349
Phone:  404-613-3061