Credit: Lance Cheung
Students that come from households of any income level in the Bristol Township School District will receive free breakfast and lunch for the next four years.
The Bristol Township School District announced this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) that will fund the food through the National School Lunch Program.
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“The district is looking forward to CEP because it allows us to continue to feed our students free of charge,” said Director of Food Services Brandon Lang. “Students are at the forefront of this program and it will be really beneficial for them and their families.”
The funding means the district will be able to give all students access to meals that are nutritious five days per week.
“Every student will be treated equally and have the same access to meals,” said Lang.
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The district released the following additional information:
“Free meals will reduce financial strain and stress on families who are on tight budgets. Additionally, families no longer have to fill out applications and no action is required by families to participate.“
“CEP also reduces stigma or embarrassment that children may feel by participating in other meal programs.
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“A La Carte items including snacks, second meals and extras will still be available to purchase.“
The district said they will have to reapply to continue to the program past the four year approval window.
During the pandemic, schools received additional funding to provide meals for students. However, that program will end in just weeks.
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According to research, pupils who eat breakfast and lunch will benefit academically, physically, and socially. However, millions of students are unable to pay for a full-priced school lunch, which forces them to either skip meals or accrue a food debt they are unable to repay.
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