News Summary
The Lexington Two School District in West Columbia, S.C., will offer free breakfast and lunch to all students during the upcoming school year as part of a federal program aimed at supporting low-income areas. This initiative simplifies access to meals, encouraging student nutrition without the need for household applications. Additionally, the district collaborates with local organizations to distribute fresh produce to families in need. Other Midlands school districts are also extending free meal programs to combat food insecurity among children.
West Columbia Offers Free Meals for All Students in 2025-2026
The Lexington Two School District in West Columbia, S.C., will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students during the 2025-2026 school year, as part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program aimed at supporting schools in low-income areas.
This initiative means that every enrolled student in the Lexington Two schools will receive meals without the need for household applications, ensuring that no child goes hungry at school. The program is designed to enhance student nutrition while alleviating financial burdens on families.
Parents and guardians have the option to discuss any concerns regarding the program with the Food Service Office personnel. For direct inquiries, they may contact Rion Skinner, the School Food Service Director, at (803) 739-8381.
Community Support Initiatives
In addition to the free meal initiative, the Lexington Two School District is collaborating with Harvest Hope Food Bank and the Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center to distribute 20-pound boxes of fresh produce to families in need. This distribution takes place twice a month until June, specifically on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon at the Empowerment Center located at 1218 Batchelor St., West Columbia. Special produce boxes tailored for seniors and diabetics may also be available.
Broader Initiatives in the Midlands
Starting in June, various school districts in the Midlands will extend free meals to children aged 18 and younger, regardless of their school district attendance. Approximately 678,710 people in South Carolina face hunger, including 197,310 children, indicating that 1 in 6 children in the state is affected by food insecurity.
The Richland One School District is taking steps to address this issue by providing free meals through its Summer Meal Program. The program operates from June 3 to July 18, offering breakfast and lunch Monday through Thursday at 29 designated sites. Parents and guardians can pick up meals on specific days in June, allowing for easy access to healthy food options.
Additionally, Richland Two will join efforts by serving free breakfast and lunch at various schools for children aged 18 and under, starting June 3. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to ensuring that families have reliable access to nutritious meals during the summer months.
Other Programs for Nutritional Support
Lexington Two’s Summer Food Service program will also provide free meals to children aged 18 and younger at selected locations. Participation in these summer feeding programs emphasizes the importance of nutrition and encourages children to consume meals on-site. Schools such as B-L Elementary and others in the Lexington-Richland School District Five will also join in these efforts to combat hunger and malnutrition in local communities.
Conclusion
The comprehensive approach taken by the Lexington Two School District and its partners reflects a strong commitment to the well-being of students and families in West Columbia. By offering free meals through CEP and supporting food distribution programs, the district aims to ensure that all children have access to essential nutrition for their growth, development, and academic success.
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Additional Resources
- WACH: Free Breakfast and Lunch for Every Lexington Two Student
- Google Search: Lexington Two School District free meals
- WLTX: Local School Districts Offer Free Meals This Summer
- Wikipedia: Community Eligibility Provision
- WIS TV: Where to Find Summer Meal Programs for Students in Midlands
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Security
- Detroit News: Where to Eat Near Comerica Park
- Google News: Richland One School District free meals
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