Anderson Co. school districts continue free student meals

ANDERSON COUNTY., S.C. (WSPA) – For the third year in a row, Anderson School District Five said every student will have the opportunity to eat breakfast and lunch for free.

According to the district, the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program is based on the number of students who receive free and reduced lunch in the school’s population.

“Ideally, anything over 25% does qualify a district for CEP, but from a financial standpoint that’s not always practical. Most school districts if they reach 67 to 68% of students qualify for free reduced lunch, then it’s a good fiscal decision to go forward with the CEP Program,” said Quentin Cavanagh, culinary services director with Anderson School District Five.

For the past two years, district leaders said the CEP Program has given parents and students relief.

“The cost of a school lunch goes up every single year and so it’s just one less thing that parents have to be concerned about. We can provide their students a very healthy breakfast and after school snack in some schools,” said Cavanagh.

Parents do not have to submit an application for the free meals.

District leaders said students who have a substantial meal tend to perform better.

“A student that eats a healthy breakfast and healthy lunch does significantly better on their testing, on their scoring, and less absenteeism,” explained Cavanagh. “Our job in culinary services is to feed the body and by feeding the body it allows the teachers the ability to feed the minds.”

It’s not only a relief for the price of meals.

“Lab fees, book fees, various other expenses, library fees that students may incur, parking fees and other things that your parents may have to pay a little bit of money for,” said Cavanagh.

Anderson Five said parents can apply to their school administrator to find out if they are eligible for further assistance.

District Five said they are feeding more than 85% of students. The other 15% accounts for those that decide to bring their own lunch.

According to district websites, Anderson School District 2, Anderson School District 3, Anderson School District 4 and some schools in Anderson School District One will also have free meals.

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