Beginning with the 2025-2026 academic year, all students enrolled in the Chattooga County School District (CCSD) will receive free breakfast and lunch, the district announced today. This initiative aims to ensure every child starts their day ready to learn and thrive, removing financial barriers to nutritious meals.

The universal free meal program is made possible through CCSD’s participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. Thanks to CEP, families will not be required to complete traditional meal applications.

However, the district is strongly encouraging families to complete a short, confidential survey. This survey is vital for securing essential educational funding and services for the district. Information gathered from the survey directly impacts the amount of money the school system receives from various supplemental programs, including the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Grant, After-School Snacks, and Seamless Summer Options. Without family assistance in completing the survey, the school system cannot maximize the utilization of available resources crucial for student support.

Detailed instructions for completing the survey will be provided in a letter available at the “Meet the Teacher” event and will also be sent home with students on the first day of the 2025-2026 school year.

CCSD emphasized that offering free meals to all students removes significant barriers for families, supports stronger academic performance across the board, and eliminates any potential stigma associated with meal access. The district expressed pride in offering this program, highlighting its role in fostering overall student success and well-being.

For further assistance or more information regarding the free meal program and the confidential survey, families are encouraged to contact the Chattooga County School Nutrition Department at 706-859-3054.