ALEXANDRIA, La. (WNTZ) – All students enrolled in Rapides Parish Public Schools will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2025-2026 academic year, district officials announced, as part of the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program.

The initiative removes the need for parents or guardians to complete meal benefit applications, ensuring that every student has access to daily meals at no cost.

“We believe that proper nutrition is essential to student success, and this program removes any obstacles that might prevent our students from getting the fuel they need to learn and grow,” Superintendent Jeff Powell said.

The free meals program will cover standard breakfast and lunch offerings. Students will still be responsible for paying for extra meals, a la carte items, and other additional sales items.

Although applications for meal benefits are not required, district officials are urging families to complete an Income Household Survey to help maintain critical state and federal funding for educational programs and services. Only one survey per household is necessary.

The survey will be available online starting Aug. 1 at www.rpsb.us, and paper copies will be sent home with students on Aug. 11. Participation is voluntary but strongly encouraged, as the data collected helps the Louisiana Department of Education determine funding eligibility.

The Community Eligibility Provision allows high-need districts to serve free meals to all students without collecting individual household applications, providing consistent nutrition access and reducing barriers for families.