By John Wood
Pittsboro, NC – The Chatham County Schools Board of Education unanimously approved providing meals, free of charge, to all students in Chatham County. Thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), all schools can serve meals at no cost to families, with the exception of Chatham Grove Elementary, Margaret B. Pollard Middle, and Seaforth High. The Board of Education approved supporting School Nutrition to cover the cost of the schools exempt from CEP funding.
CEP is a program that is based on the percentage of students who are directly certified for participation in a government program such as SNAP or may be identified as a homeless or migrant student. Due to the support of CEP and the Board of Education, families will not need to submit an application requesting free meals at any of our schools.
“Right now, children, families, and communities in North Carolina are being held back by hunger. Providing meals at no cost to all students will reduce hunger, all while supporting families working to make ends meet,” said Ms. Cecile Teague, Director of School Nutrition. “With the rising cost of food nationwide, we are ecstatic that our students and families will no longer bear the burden of paying for school meals. School meals help nourish the minds, bodies, and souls of our children and help ensure an optimal learning environment for all.”
“In Chatham County Schools, we are entirely focused on ensuring the success of the whole child. This means making sure that every child that walks through our school doors is given the same tools to succeed,” said Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent. “Providing high quality, nutritious meals is proven to be a conduit for academic success, allowing students to have the energy to be more active and engaged in the academic setting. We are One Chatham, by ensuring that ALL students have nutritious meals and clear minds to succeed inside and outside the classroom.”
Families who do not already participate in a government program could qualify for other state or federal benefits outside of Chatham County Schools, based on household income. Families may apply through a free and reduced application, paper applications are available for families through School Nutrition or online at Lunchapplication.com (online is preferred). This applies to students who have not received a direct certification letter from the School Nutrition office dated July 1, 2024, or after.