MPSD to once again offer FREE student meals during 2025-2026 school year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | July 31, 2025

MERIDIAN, Miss. — MPSD Child Nutrition to participate in USDA’s National School Lunch and Breakfast Program under the CEP Program for the 2025-2026 School Year. 

The Meridian Public School District Child Nutrition Program will participate in the USDA’s National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs for the 2025-2026 School Year under the Community Eligibility Provision Program, where all MPSD students may eat meals at no cost to them.

The Community Eligibility Provision Program (CEP) is a non-pricing meal service option for schools and school districts that allows districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications. 

Instead, schools that adopt CEP are reimbursed using a formula based on the percentage of students categorically eligible for free meals based on their participation in their specific means-tested programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

The District Child Nutrition Program is federally funded by the USDA and abides by federal and state regulations.

The Child Nutrition Program also serves teachers, staff, and visiting parents that would like to purchase a meal at the cost of $3.00 for breakfast and $5.00 for lunch. 

The Child Nutrition Program is proud to have the opportunity to serve others, provide nutritious meals, and inspire and develop excellence in everyone.

The Meridian Public School District is an equal opportunity provider.

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