All Students Eat for Free at Dallas ISD

Because students who have access to better nutrition tend to perform better academically, are more attentive in class, have better attendance, and fewer disciplinary issues, Dallas ISD will continue to serve free meals to all students under the Community Eligibility Provision for the 2024-2025 school year.

The Community Eligibility Provision allows eligible schools to serve free meals to all students regardless of income. Under the CEP Schools receive funding based on a formula that relies on data from other sources, so families no longer have to submit applications reporting their household income if they want to take advantage of free school meals.

This program is important because access to nutritious food is the foundation of student success, Food and Child Nutrition Services said in its announcement. Additionally, FCNS recognizes that the free meals program is an important lifeline for the Dallas ISD community because it ensures students get at least two nutritious meals every day at school.

By eliminating the out-of-pocket costs for families and reducing the stigma associated with traditional free school meal programs, the CEP has become an engine for equity, said Melinda Hillis, assistant director, Food and Child Nutrition Services.

In Dallas ISD, according to FCNS, the CEP also eliminates many overhead costs like processing school meal applications, eliminates school meal debt, and increases participation. The program also enables school nutrition staff to streamline meal service, making it easier to implement innovative service models like meals in the classroom.