Alexandria, LA (6/17/2024) – The Rapides Parish School Board (RPSB) is thrilled to announce that all students in the district will receive free breakfast and lunch for the 2024-2025 school year.
This initiative is made possible through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program designed to assist schools and districts in low-income areas by providing no-cost meals to all enrolled students without requiring household applications.
The RPSB Food Services Department, led by Mrs. Erma Davis, has been diligently working on securing this funding since April. The district must apply annually, and this month, RPSB was officially notified of their continued eligibility. Rapides Parish has been benefiting from this funding since 2019, ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals throughout the school day.
“Parents won’t have to worry about lunch money or outstanding lunch fees. All students will have access to balanced meals every day,” said Davis.
While the CEP funding eliminates the need for individual household applications for meal programs, it remains crucial for households to complete the Household Income Survey. This survey is essential to ensure that each school in the district receives the full amount of federal and state funding available. The data collected is confidential and solely used to support the district in accessing state and federal programs that benefit educational services and programs.
The Rapides Parish School Board emphasizes the importance of this survey, as the district receives specific funding based on the community’s economic status. By participating in the survey, families help secure necessary resources that enhance the educational experience for all students.
RPSB is excited to continue offering nutritious breakfasts and lunches to students, promoting their health and readiness to learn. The district looks forward to a successful 2024-2025 school year, where no child has to worry about where their next meal will come from while at school.
