Clark County School District Offers Free Meals to Students Through Federal Program

LAS VEGAS – In a move to support students and families, the Clark County School District (CCSD) has announced that school meals will be provided free of charge for all students this academic year. The district’s participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program, enables them to serve both breakfast and lunch at no cost to students. Notably, this initiative will extend into the following school year, ensuring continued access to free meals.

CEP allows schools and districts with the highest poverty rates to offer complimentary meals to all students. The reimbursement is based on the percentage of students eligible for free meals through means-tested programs such as SNAP and TANF, as determined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Jake Yarberry, a dietitian and menu planner at CCSD, emphasized the importance of this program for students, providing them with a reliable source of food while also alleviating financial burdens for parents. Serving between 125,000 to 150,000 lunches and 60,000 to 80,000 breakfasts daily, the district has seen an increase in meal utilization since the pandemic, though Yarberry hopes to see even more students benefit from this service.

The meals provided this year will also adhere to new federal nutritional guidelines, focusing on reduced sodium content. While menu planning has become more challenging due to these guidelines and supply chain issues, Yarberry assures that they are committed to providing nutritious meals for the students.

Parents and students can access the school breakfast and lunch menus, including nutritional information, on the CCSD website (menu.ccsd.net). Any changes in the menu will be promptly updated online to ensure transparency and accessibility.

With CCSD’s participation in the CEP, the district continues to prioritize the well-being of its students and community, fostering a supportive and healthy learning environment.

Credits: KTNV