Orange County Public Schools announced in July that they would offer free meals to all students in the 2023-24 school year. This news means that students can get breakfast and lunch at no charge.
This marks the first school year OCPS is implementing the new meal provision. The lunch is being offered through the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision program or CEP.
A quote on the OCPS Food & Nutrition website states "We believe every student deserves access to healthy and nutritious meals regardless of socioeconomic status," the district said on its website, adding that it would implement the Community Eligibility Provision for all students.
This rule applies to all students at all existing OCPS schools for all school meals, including breakfast and lunch. Students will have the opportunity to choose three to five menu items that fall into the main food groups – protein, grain, vegetable, fruit, and milk. It is important to note that if three to five items aren't selected, the student will be charged an à la carte price.
Prices for additional meals are $1.35 for breakfast and $1.90 for lunch in elementary schools and $1.75 for breakfast and $2.75 for lunch in secondary schools.
This program does not apply to Snacks and Supper which are based on individual school qualifications. Please check your child's school for participation details.