Austin, Texas, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Several school districts in Central Texas are expanding their free meal programs for the upcoming academic year by utilizing the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Austin ISD will implement this program across 76 campuses, providing students with free breakfast and lunch without application requirements for eligible campuses. Other districts including Pflugerville, Hays, Leander, and Lake Travis ISDs are also participating, ensuring free or reduced-price meals are accessible to those in need, all aimed at supporting student well-being and academic success.
Austin, Texas – As the 2025-26 academic year approaches, several school districts in Central Texas are expanding their free meal programs, predominantly utilizing the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This federally funded program allows low-income schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students without requiring individual applications.
Austin Independent School District (AISD) will implement this program across 76 of its campuses, ensuring that students receive both breakfast and lunch at no cost. Notably, there is no need for applications or documentation for students at these eligible campuses. For campuses outside the CEP program, meal eligibility will be determined through a standard application process for free, reduced-price, or paid meals. Students qualifying for reduced-price meals within the AISD will still receive both breakfast and lunch for free.
Pflugerville Independent School District (PISD) is also participating in the CEP program, providing free meals at 12 campuses during the 2025-26 school year. Families with children attending non-CEP campuses are encouraged to complete a socio-economic information form to assist with reporting to the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Hays Consolidated Independent School District (Hays CISD) has adopted the CEP program at multiple campuses, providing free breakfast and lunch without the need for applications at these locations. However, for campuses not operating under the CEP, families must complete a new application each school year for free and reduced-price meals.
Leander Independent School District (Leander ISD) has recently announced that students qualifying for reduced-price meals will benefit from free breakfast and lunch during both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, backed by a state grant. Completing a meal application not only helps families access reduced-cost programs but also aids the district in securing critical funding.
Applications for free and reduced-price meals are available year-round, with a critical deadline set for September 25. Lake Travis Independent School District (Lake Travis ISD) will continue offering meals at free or reduced-price rates for qualifying students. Eligibility for reduced-price meals is determined based on household income levels or through automatic qualifications via programs such as SNAP or TANF.
Families can opt to apply online or submit a paper application. Local agencies are also available to support households in identifying whether they qualify for automatic meal eligibility.
Expansion of Meal Programs
As these Central Texas school districts expand their meal programs, it demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals, which is essential for academic success and overall well-being.
Essential Details
| District | CEP Implementation | Free Meal Provision | Application Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin ISD | 76 campuses | Breakfast & Lunch | No for CEP campuses; Yes for others |
| Pflugerville ISD | 12 campuses | Breakfast & Lunch | Socio-economic form for reporting |
| Hays CISD | Multiple campuses | Breakfast & Lunch | Yes for non-CEP campuses |
| Leander ISD | N/A | Free for reduced-price meal qualifiers | Support through applications |
| Lake Travis ISD | N/A | Free or reduced | Yes |
FAQ
What is the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)?
CEP is a federally funded program that allows schools with high percentages of low-income students to provide free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students without requiring individual meal applications.
Which school districts in Central Texas are participating in the CEP program?
The districts participating include Austin ISD, Pflugerville ISD, Hays CISD, and Leander ISD.
Do families need to complete applications for CEP campuses?
No documentation or applications are required for students at CEP campuses; however, for non-CEP campuses, families must complete a meal application.
How can families apply for free or reduced-price meals?
Families can apply either online or using a paper application. Local agencies can assist in identifying eligible households.
When is the deadline for meal applications?
The deadline for submitting applications for the 2025-26 academic year is September 25.
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Additional Resources
- MSN News: Austin ISD Free Meals
- Wikipedia: Community Eligibility Provision
- Community Impact: Free Meals in Austin ISD
- Google Search: Free School Meals Austin
- Houston Chronicle: Free Lunch in Austin ISD
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Lunch
- KXAN: Austin ISD Meal Programs
- Google News: Austin ISD Free Meals
- KVUE: Free Meals for Students
- Google Scholar: School Lunch Program
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