West Palm Beach, FL (The Clarity Times) August 14, 2014:– Students in Broward and Palm Beach Counties will benefit from an expanded free meal program for the 2024-2025 school year, ensuring every child has access to nutritious breakfast and lunch. Through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), Broward County Public Schools will continue offering free meals to students in 180 eligible schools.
Additionally, the Universal Free Lunch Program Pilot Year 2 will extend free lunch and breakfast to all students in 47 non-CEP schools, regardless of their eligibility status. This initiative ensures that every student, irrespective of their family’s financial situation, has access to nutritious meals throughout the school year.
Palm Beach County School District also announced an amendment to its meal program policies, continuing its successful track record from previous years. Students in Palm Beach County will receive breakfast and lunch at no charge, aligning with the National School Lunch/School Breakfast Programs for the 2024-2025 school year.
The meals provided will adhere to federal nutrition guidelines, including a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and low-fat or fat-free milk options. These programs are not just about feeding students—they aim to alleviate food insecurity, enhance focus and attendance, and ultimately, contribute to better academic outcomes.
Parents can apply for the 2024-2025 school year meal benefits starting from July 15, 2024, until June 1, 2025. Meanwhile, the district will continue to support families during the summer break through the Summer Food Service Program, providing free, balanced meals to children up to the age of 18.