News Summary
Duval County Public Schools will no longer offer universal free lunches for most students at 37 schools, requiring families to apply for free or reduced-price meals. This change comes as federal pandemic funding ends, and eligibility requirements revert to pre-pandemic standards. While families at affected schools must take action to secure meal assistance, breakfast will still be provided at no cost. District officials are advising parents to prepare for this transition ahead of the upcoming school year.
Jacksonville, FL – In a significant change affecting local families, Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) officials announced that 37 schools will no longer provide universal free lunches for most students starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This decision follows a thorough assessment of the district’s budget in light of the conclusion of federal pandemic funding that previously supported the program.
The free lunch program was made possible through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allowed schools to serve free meals to all students if at least 40% of enrolled students qualified for free or reduced-price meals through federal assistance programs. However, it was determined that the 37 affected schools do not meet this eligibility requirement.
Families attending these schools will need to apply for free or reduced-price meals to receive assistance or be certified for assistance through the state—a return to the system in place prior to the special pandemic measures. Despite the discontinuation of free lunch, breakfast will continue to be offered at no charge to all students at these schools through the Universal Free Breakfast Program.
Implications for Families
The change may impose challenges for families who have become accustomed to the universal free lunch model. Approximately 29% of students at San Pablo Elementary utilized the free lunch program last year, raising concerns that some families may struggle to complete applications or possibly miss important deadlines.
To navigate these challenges, DCPS officials have encouraged parents to prepare for the changes ahead. The application for free or reduced-price meals will be accessible online starting in the first week of August 2025. Until then, all students will receive free lunch for the first 30 operating days of the school year, during which time their meal eligibility status will be determined.
Options for Affected Families
Parents of students enrolled in the affected schools must take action if they wish to receive meal assistance, with options to pay out-of-pocket or provide lunches from home also available. In contrast, families with children attending non-affected schools will not need to make any changes, as lunch will continue to be provided at no cost.
Historical Context
Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted an expansion of free meal programs across the country, enabling districts like DCPS to provide free meals to all students, regardless of their financial circumstances. This initiative was fueled by additional federal funding aimed at alleviating food insecurity during the public health crisis.
Now, as that funding has ended, schools must return to traditional eligibility requirements. District leaders have acknowledged the complexities this change may create, emphasizing the necessity for families to start preparing in advance to ensure their children do not lose access to necessary nutrition during the school day.
Next Steps for Parents
For those navigating the transition, it is advised to keep an eye on the upcoming application window and to ensure that all necessary paperwork is submitted by the deadlines to secure meal assistance. Furthermore, parents are encouraged to weigh all available options regarding their child’s meals to ensure continuity of nutritional support, especially as many families adapt to these new requirements.
This shift highlights the ongoing impacts of the pandemic on education and community services, as schools strive to balance financial constraints with the foundational need to support student well-being through adequate nutrition.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Changes to School Lunch Program in Duval County
Additional Resources
- First Coast News
- News4Jax
- Action News Jax
- Wikipedia: Community Eligibility Provision
- Jacksonville.com
- Google Search: Duval County Public Schools
