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CONYERS, GA–All enrolled students in Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) again will be eligible again this year for free meals under the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), automatically eliminating the need for families to submit a Free/Reduced Meals application.
RCPS qualified for the CEP national lunch program and School Breakfast Program for the 2024-2025 school year and is providing the programs for the 2025-2026 school year all of its students.
“Through the CEP program, we are proud to once again offer free breakfast and lunch to all students this school year. By continuing to provide free meals, we are removing barriers and helping every child come to school ready to learn and thrive,” Superintendent Shirley Chesser said.
RCPS Director of School Nutrition Blaine Allen said, “We know that well-nourished students are better learners. Our team is excited to serve delicious, balanced meals every day that fuel both body and mind while also easing the burden on our families.”
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) meal service option that allows schools and districts in high poverty areas to offer meals at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications. RCPS is approved for CEP for the 2025-26 school year and will provide breakfast and lunch meals to all students at no cost to their families. RCPS will not collect free/reduced meal applications. Students will continue to enter their student numbers in the cafeteria to receive their meals, and all meals must meet the federal requirements for reimbursable meals.
While school meals will be free, students will be allowed to purchase additional à la carte items or supplemental snack items such as juice, ice cream or other treats. Families may continue to use the My School Bucks app to pay for these items. Students will not be allowed to charge à la carte or supplemental snack items. Meals are available for students enrolled in virtual learning and parents of students enrolled in virtual learning may pick up meals from their student’s home school.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Families:
1. What meals will be provided free of cost in this program?
Breakfast and lunch meals for all students in all RCPS schools will be at no charge for this school year.
2. Do I need to complete a Free/Reduced Meals application?
No, families do not need to complete an application and RCPS will not collect applications.
3. Will students need their ID number to receive meals?
Yes, students will continue to enter their student number in the cafeteria to receive their meals.
4. Can students still get additional à la carte or supplemental items?
Yes, students may purchase à la carte or supplemental items. Parents can safely and securely continue using the My School Bucks app to pay for à la carte/supplemental items that students may purchase.
5. Can à la carte or supplemental items be charged or be paid later?
No, charging (creating a debt) for these items will not be allowed.
6. Can virtual students receive meals?
Yes. Meals are available for students enrolled in virtual learning. Parents may pick up meals from the student’s homeschool. Please contact your school’s cafeteria manager to arrange for meal pick up.