Austin, Texas, August 7, 2025
News Summary
The Austin Independent School District has announced a program to offer free breakfast and lunch to every student at 76 schools. This initiative aims to alleviate food insecurity in low-income areas and will ease the process of access through the Community Eligibility Provision. Schools participating include elementary, middle, and high schools across the district. With the program, no application is required for free meals, benefiting students and families by reducing stigma and improving overall health and academic performance.
Austin, Texas – The Austin Independent School District (AISD) has announced that it will provide free breakfast and lunch to every student attending 76 campuses during the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that students in low-income areas have consistent access to nutritious meals.
The meals will be made available through the federally funded Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, which allows eligible schools to serve free meals without requiring any applications or documentation from families. This program is designed to streamline the process of providing meals to students in need, making it easier for schools to support healthy eating habits among their students.
For campuses that do not qualify for the CEP program, meal availability will depend on students’ meal status, which includes free, reduced-price, or paid options. However, it is important to note that any student approved for reduced-price meals will receive both breakfast and lunch at no cost during this upcoming school year.
Participating Schools
Elementary schools included in the CEP program are diverse and spread throughout the district. Some of these schools are:
Allison, Andrews, Barrington, Blackshear, Blanton, and several others.
In addition to elementary schools, several middle schools will also participate. Notable middle schools include:
Bedichek, Burnet, Covington, Dobie, and Garcia YMLA, among others.
High schools participating in the program include:
Akins ECHS, Crockett ECHS, Eastside ECHS, among others. This inclusive policy allows a wide range of students from various educational stages to benefit from the meal initiative.
Additionally, other campuses involved in the CEP program consist of the Alternative Learning Center and Rosedale School, ensuring that all segments of the student population have access to free meals.
Benefits of the CEP Program
The CEP program is particularly beneficial for families and schools. Since no applications or documentation are required, it alleviates the administrative burden on families to demonstrate their financial status. This not only saves time but also reduces the stigma that can be associated with applying for free or reduced meals.
Providing free meals contributes to improved student health and can enhance academic performance, as students who are well-nourished are generally more focused and engaged during school hours. The program aligns with AISD’s commitment to support not just educational outcomes but also the overall well-being of its students.
Background Context
The Federal Community Eligibility Provision program was established to help schools in low-income areas ensure that all students have access to meals, ultimately striving to reduce childhood hunger. In recent years, various studies have highlighted the importance of school meals in supporting academic success and good health among students. The expansion of such programs across districts reflects a growing awareness of these needs within educational systems nationwide.
This initiative by AISD represents a significant step forward in addressing food insecurity among students and aligns with national trends toward promoting healthier lifestyles in schools.
Summary
The provision of free meals at 76 schools during the 2025-2026 academic year is a positive development for the Austin Independent School District. By participating in the Community Eligibility Provision program, AISD aims to foster a supportive, health-conscious environment for all students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)?
The Community Eligibility Provision is a federal program that allows schools in qualifying low-income areas to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students without needing applications or documentation.
Which schools in Austin will be participating in the free meal program?
There are 76 schools participating, including various elementary, middle, and high schools in the Austin Independent School District.
Will students have to apply for free meals?
No, students at eligible schools will receive free meals without any application process. Only those not qualifying for CEP will need to provide meal status information.
What happens for students who are eligible for reduced-price meals?
Students approved for reduced-price meals will receive both breakfast and lunch at no cost during the 2025-2026 school year.
How does this program help students?
This program ensures that all students have access to nutritious meals, promotes better health, and potentially enhances academic performance by reducing hunger-related distractions.
Key Features of the Program
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Free Meals | Available at 76 schools for all students during the 2025-2026 school year. |
| Program Type | Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) |
| Meal Availability | No applications needed; automatic free meals for all eligible students. |
| Reduced-Price Meals | Students eligible for reduced-price meals will receive free breakfast and lunch. |
| Participating Schools | Includes numerous elementary, middle, and high schools across the district. |
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Additional Resources
- KVUE: AISD to Offer Free Meals
- CBS Austin: Free Meals for All Students
- The New York Times: AI in Austin Schools
- KXAN: Central Texas Back-to-School Dates
- Community Impact: Free Meals at AISD Schools
- Wikipedia: Nutrition in Schools
- Google Search: Community Eligibility Provision
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Lunch
- Google Scholar: School Nourishment Studies
- Google News: Free School Meals 2025
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
AUSTIN STAFF WRITER The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
