Free meals to be provided to most of Guilford County Schools

GREENSBORO, NC (WGHP) — Research tells us school meals are critically important when it comes to children and learning.

Whitney Oakley, the superintendent of Guilford County Schools, says teachers see first hand what happens if children don’t eat regular meals.

“We know that children more than anyone, can’t engage in instruction if they’re hungry. And we know that North Carolina DHHS says that one in six children face childhood hunger. We were able to feed all kids breakfast and lunch during the pandemic. And when that waiver went away, it was really hard for some families and kids.”

That’s why Dr. Oakley is excited about a change coming to the district’s school nutrition program.

“110 out of our 120 schools will be able to have free breakfast, free lunch for the 24-25 School year,” she said.

It’s a big move made possible by the Community Eligibility Provision.

“Community eligibility is decided by the number of families who are accessing services like SNAP and TANF and other services of that nature. And so the more families who feel comfortable applying for and accessing services, the more schools will be able to add to this list, but I I think it should be something that no one has to worry about that every child goes to school every day knowing that they’ll get breakfast and lunch for free.”

She also hopes every child at those schools will take advantage of the free meals offering.

“We do get reimbursed based on the number of students who eat breakfast and lunch. So, what we want families to know is we want them to take advantage of the free breakfast and the free lunch. It’s how school nutrition operates. We’re able to offer more choices and do more innovative things. The more students who are taking advantage of the free breakfast and free lunch. But it’s a great way to start the 24-25 school year.”

Dr. Oakley says she looks forward to the day when school breakfast and lunch can be provided for students for free at every school.

“I really think as a country, we need to figure out how to make this a blanket. We need to be able to serve all kids breakfast and lunch. I think there’s states that have figured it out. We know Minnesota has universal free breakfast and free lunch, so I just hope this is a step towards that for Guilford County and for the state of North Carolina.”

You can find a full list of schools who have free breakfast and lunch on the Guilford County Schools website.

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