Autauga County Schools is participating in the USDA’s National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, so under the Community Eligibility Provision, breakfast and lunch will be provided at no charge to all students for the 2023-2024 school year! There are no applications or additional information required.
This is a pilot program for Autauga County Schools that, if successful, could be available through the 2026-2027 school year, but participation is key! All students are encouraged to participate to ensure success and program longevity. Students may enjoy full meals every school day or supplement meals from home with vitamin-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, and milk.
“I am thrilled that we have the ability to offer meals free to every student in our district,” Audra Segers, Director of Child Nutrition Program said. “Food insecurity, due in part to economic inflation, is a real concern for many families. I’m excited that this program can help eliminate at least one worry for parents and students so they can focus on learning and making the most of this school year.”
Community Eligibility Provision is a key provision of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010, which allows schools and school districts to eliminate school meal applications and serve breakfast and lunch at no charge to all enrolled students. CEP gives food service professionals more time to focus on preparing nutritious meals. More importantly, by offering all students a nutritious breakfast or lunch at no cost, CEP helps ensure more students come to class well-nourished and ready to learn. All meals will follow the United States Department of Agriculture’s guidelines for healthy school meals.
Article submitted by Autauga County Schools.
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