Free breakfast and lunch meals for all GIPS students
A school district in central Nebraska is taking steps to make sure schools meals are accessible to every student.<br/>
July 25, 2024Updated: July 25, 2024
By News Channel Nebraska
By News Channel NebraskaGRAND ISLAND, Neb.- - A school district in central Nebraska is taking steps to make sure schools meals are accessible to every student.
Grand Island Public Schools announced on Thursday that breakfast and lunch meals will be available to all GIPS students at no cost at all schools for the 2024-2025 school year.
According to a new release, it is thanks to a Community Eligibility Provision offered by the USDA and provided by the Nebraska Department of Education.
GIPS Associate Superintendent Dr. Summer Stephens says this will greatly impact students.
“All students having access to free breakfast and lunch removes stigmas, increases attendance, and guarantees access to one of Maslow's most basic human needs.” Dr. Stephens said, “This core belief that every student means all students is crucial for Grand Island Public Schools to meet its mission.”
The CEP allows schools that predominantly serve low-income children to offer free school meals to all students through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.
In the 2023-24 school year, GIPS had 10 of its 18 schools qualify for CEP.