WACO, Texas — Waco Independent School District and Sodexo have announced the continuation of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2024-2025 school year. Temple ISD has also announced that it will continue to provide free meals for all students in the district for the school year as well.
Under Waco ISD's program, all students at qualifying Waco ISD campuses will receive free breakfast and lunch daily.
Temple ISD announced it will continue to serve meals to children under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. TISD will also operate the CEP to provide the meals and eliminate the collection of meal applications for free, reduced-price and paid student meals.
TISD said no families will have to apply for free meal programs.
“We are appreciative that the Texas Department of Agriculture offers the CEP program and has approved our application,” Ian Vestal, director of school nutrition for Temple ISD, said. “If your student shows up to school, we are able to provide breakfast and lunch and fulfill those basic needs throughout the school year.”
The CEP eliminates the need for meal applications, making it easier for families and school staff by ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals without any cost. This program supports student health and learning by ensuring that no child goes without a meal during the school day.
The free meal program will be available at all Waco ISD and Temple ISD campuses that provide breakfast and lunch.
If you're not sure if your district offers free lunch, be sure to check that district's website, then find the nutrition tab for more information.