VALDOSTA — All students in the Lowndes County School System will eat free this year.
School meals will be provided at no cost to students and families through the Community Eligibility Program, a funding option of the National School Lunch Act, according to a statement from the school system.
About 65% of students throughout the system eat a school lunch daily, the school system said in a statement.
“We adhere to USDA guidelines when planning our menus,” says Donna Hendley, school nutrition director. “The food is high quality, and 20% of each plate has Georgia-grown food.”
Taking part in CEP eliminates the need for meal applications, reducing the need for administrative and printing costs for school systems, the statement said.
Valdosta City Schools have been offering free meals to all students through CEP through 2013, said Jennifer Steedley, spokesperson for the city school system.