Students at 121 Miami-Dade County public schools will continue receiving free breakfast and lunch during the upcoming school year, while families at other schools will need to apply to determine if they qualify for free or reduced-price meals.The district announced the change after its four-year participation in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) came to an end. According to Miami-Dade County Public Schools, updated federal eligibility data determined the district no longer qualifies to provide free breakfast and lunch to every student districtwide.“Our goal is to protect families from any hardship while keeping free breakfast and lunch available to as many students as possible,” Chief Operations Officer Luis E. “We’re launching a comprehensive outreach campaign to ensure families have clear, step-by-step guidance.”Under the new meal program, all students attending the district’s 121 CEP schools will continue receiving free breakfast and lunch.At schools that do not qualify under CEP, meal prices will be:Elementary and K-8 schools:Free breakfast Lunch: $4.20 full price or 40 cents for students who qualify for reduced-price meals Middle and high schools:Breakfast: $2.50 full price or 30 cents reduced price Lunch: $4.20 full price or 40 cents reduced price Families with students attending non-CEP schools can begin applying for free or reduced-price meals on Aug.
10 through mdcpsnutrition.net.Students who are directly certified through programs such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, foster care, Head Start, migrant services or homeless assistance will continue receiving free meals automatically without submitting an application.The district said all students will receive free meals during the first 30 days of the school year, or until their eligibility status has been determined.School officials are encouraging families to complete applications as early as possible to avoid any interruption in meal benefits.M-DCPS said it will work directly with families to explain eligibility requirements, assist with the application process and ensure students continue to have access to nutritious meals that support their health and academic success.CEP and Non-CEP Schools List:
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