Free meals announced for all students in Rapides Parish Public Schools for 2026-2027

The following was released by the Rapides Parish School Board:

Rapides Parish Public Schools is pleased to announce that all enrolled students will receive free breakfast and lunch every school day during the 2026-2027 academic year through the district’s participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

The program eliminates barriers to student nutrition by removing the application process entirely. Parents and guardians are not required to complete meal benefit applications for their children.

“With CEP in place again this year, students can focus on what really matters: learning and growing. This program makes sure our students are starting the day ready,” Superintendent Jeff Powell says.

Program Details:

• All enrolled students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch.
• No applications or paperwork are required from families.
• The program covers standard breakfast and lunch meals.

Important Household Survey Request: To help the district maintain critical state and federal funding, families are asked to complete a brief Income Household Survey. Only one survey per household is needed.

Survey Availability:

• Online: Available August 3, 2026, at www.rpsb.us
• Paper copies: Available at Open Houses (times and dates will vary)

Director of Food and Nutrition Services, Ms. Erma Davis, emphasizes that survey participation is essential for maintaining funding that supports various educational programs and services. The information collected determines eligibility for federal and state funding streams.

The Community Eligibility Provision is a federal program that allows high-need districts to provide free meals to all students without requiring individual household applications.

This approach ensures consistent access to nutrition for all students