News Summary
Lexington Two School District is implementing a program to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to all students during the upcoming school year through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This initiative allows students to access nutritious meals without the need for meal applications, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Additionally, a Summer Meal Program will be launched to offer free meals to children aged 18 and under during the summer months. These efforts aim to combat child hunger and ensure students receive vital nutrition throughout the year.
West Columbia
Lexington Two School District has announced that all students will receive free breakfast and lunch meals during the 2025-2026 school year, as part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. This program aims to ensure that all enrolled students can access nutritious meals without the requirement for families to fill out meal applications.
The district’s participation in the CEP program allows all students, regardless of their socioeconomic status, to partake in the meal offerings at no cost. Meals served under this initiative will comply with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines, which emphasize the provision of healthy options in school meals.
For more details about the program, families can reach out to the School Food Service Director, Rion Skinner, at (803) 739-8381. Parents or guardians who may have concerns regarding their child’s participation in the program can informally discuss these with Pamela Bienkoski at the same contact number. If a formal appeal is desired, it can be directed to Sky Strickland, Chief Financial Officer, at the district office or through written correspondence to 3205 Platt Springs Road, West Columbia, SC 29170.
Summer Meal Program
In addition to the school year offerings, the Lexington Two School District is also launching a Summer Meal Program, running from June 3 through July 8, 2025. This initiative provides free meals to children aged 18 and under, who must be present to receive one breakfast and one lunch each day, which must be consumed on-site.
Meals will be available at several locations throughout Lexington County, including Airport High School and Brookland-Cayce High School. Specific times for meal serving are established, with breakfast being served from 7:30 AM to 8:15 AM. The program is part of the Summer Break Cafe and Summer Food Service Program, ensuring children have access to meals, irrespective of their school enrollment.
Regional Collaboration
Other nearby school districts, such as Richland One and Richland Two, are also providing free meals for children during the summer months. These programs are designed to combat child hunger in South Carolina, ensuring that nutritious food is available to all children who need it.
Background on Community Eligibility Provision
The Community Eligibility Provision is part of a broader federal initiative supported by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. This program primarily benefits educational agencies with a high percentage of low-income students, making it easier for families to access meal assistance without bureaucratic hurdles.
Each year, these programs not only provide vital nutrition to students during the academic year but also sustain them during the summer breaks when access to free or reduced-cost meals can be limited. With child hunger remaining a persistent issue, initiatives like the CEP and accompanying summer programs play a crucial role in addressing these concerns within the community.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Local School Districts Offer Free Meals This Summer
- WIS TV: Where to Find Summer Meal Programs for Students
- WACH: Lexington Two Offering Free Summer Meals for Children
- The State: Local News Article
- Barr-Price: Obituary for Betty Monts-Wise
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