Every student in the Richmond County School System (RCSS) will receive breakfast and lunch at no charge starting in the 2024-2025 school year.
Under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), students will have access to nutritious meals and families do not have to apply to participate in the program, according to a news release from the Richmond County School System.
“When a child’s nutritional needs are met, the child is more attentive in class, has better attendance, and has fewer disciplinary problems,” said Cathy Johnson, Richmond County Nutrition Services director. “Families with tight food budgets can rest assured that their child is getting two nutritious meals at school, reducing financial strain at home. CEP promotes equity by eliminating the out-of-pocket costs for families and by reducing the stigma of school meal programs, allowing students to focus on what’s most important – their education.”
To expand access to the CEP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reduced the minimum identified student percentage (the percentage of students automatically qualifying for free meals) participation threshold from 40% to 25%.
As a result, RCSS School Nutrition Services expanded CEP by three schools for the upcoming school year, bringing the total number of participating schools and programs to 54. In addition to expanding CEP, RCSS Nutrition will focus on incorporating locally grown foods into its menus and educating students on making informed food choices, the news release said.
All Richmond County public schools are eligible for breakfast and lunch at no cost under CEP. Students and families can review daily breakfast and lunch menus online at rcboe.org/Menus.
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