Elkhart Community Schools to Offer Free Meals for All Students in 2024-25

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Elkhart County, Ind. — Elkhart Community Schools (ECS) is set to provide a major boost to students’ well-being this upcoming school year by offering free breakfast and lunch to all students. Thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, in collaboration with the USDA and the Indiana Department of Education, every student within the district will enjoy these meals at no cost throughout the 2024-25 school year.

"We are thrilled to provide two free meals per day to our students," said Pam Melcher, ECS Food Services Director. "This initiative will ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the support they need to focus on their education and achieve their goals."

Under the CEP agreement, every student will receive one complete breakfast and one complete lunch each school day without any charges. The initiative is designed to remove barriers to accessing nutritious meals and to foster an environment where students are well-nourished and ready to learn.

Parents and guardians do not need to take any action to enroll their children in this program, and there is no application or fee required. The program is automatically available to all students.

For any questions or further information, families can reach out to the ECS Food Services Department at (574) 262-5551.