Baldwin County Public Schools announced that all students will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2025-2026 school year. The district will continue its participation in the Community Eligibility Provision, or CEP, under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. This means families do not need to fill out meal applications or pay any fees for their children to eat at school. The program is designed to make sure every student has access to healthy meals each day.

The Community Eligibility Provision is part of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010. It allows schools in low-income areas to provide meals at no charge to all enrolled students. By removing the need for paperwork, food service staff can spend more time preparing nutritious meals that students enjoy. Students also spend less time waiting in line and more time eating.

School officials say that offering free meals to everyone helps students come to class ready to learn. Good nutrition is important for children’s success in school. Baldwin County Public Schools will follow United States Department of Agriculture guidelines for healthy breakfasts and lunches. Families are encouraged to have their children participate in the meal programs.

The district also wants parents and guardians to know that no child will be discriminated against in the operation of child feeding programs. This includes protection regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability.

Anyone with questions about the meal program can contact Erin Miller, the Child Nutrition Program Director, by email at emiller@bcbe.org. The school system hopes the program will help students stay healthy and focused throughout the year.