Community Eligibility Provision

Miami-Dade County Public Schools will continue offering free meals at 121 campuses during the upcoming school year, while families at other schools must apply for free or reduced-price meals. The change follows the end of the district's four-year participation in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which previously allowed free meals for all students districtwide. Families can apply starting Aug. 10, and students certified through programs like SNAP or Medicaid will automatically qualify for free meals.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools will offer free lunch to all students at only 121 schools during the 2026-27 school year due to reduced federal funding. Previously, the federal Community Eligibility Provision covered schools where 62.5% of students qualified, but this year only 45.1% met the threshold. Families can apply for free and reduced-price meals via the Miami-Dade County School Portal starting Aug. 10.

Cheatham County Schools is addressing parent concerns over a 25-cent increase in school meal prices, effective when students return to school this summer. Breakfast will cost $3 and lunch $4 per meal, with options for free or reduced-price meals through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for eligible households.