The Shadow
LOW MOOR, VA (VR) — Alleghany Highlands Public Schools will once again provide free breakfast and lunch to every student during the 2026-27 school year through the federal Community Eligibility Provision, ensuring all students have access to nutritious meals at no cost to their families.
The federally funded program allows every student to receive breakfast and lunch regardless of household income. Because every school in the division participates in CEP, parents and guardians do not need to complete a free or reduced-price meal application for their children to receive meals during the school day.
School officials say the program plays an important role in supporting student well-being and academic success by ensuring children begin each day well-nourished and ready to learn while also saving local families money.
“Good nutrition is an important part of student success,” said Debra Buckner, supervisor of food services for AHPS “When students know they’ll have a healthy breakfast and lunch waiting for them every school day, they can focus on learning instead of worrying about where their next meal will come from.”
In addition to benefiting students, Buckner said the program provides meaningful support for families throughout the Alleghany Highlands by helping stretch household budgets.
“Providing free meals for every student helps take one more expense off a family’s plate,” Buckner said. “Parents can feel confident their children are receiving healthy, balanced meals at school each day, and those savings can make a real difference for households in our community. We’re grateful to be able to offer a program that supports our students and families.”
The Community Eligibility Provision is available to qualifying school divisions nationwide and is designed to increase access to healthy school meals while reducing administrative burdens for families and schools.
Families will receive additional information about the Community Eligibility Provision before the start of the school year, including details about the program and contact information for anyone with questions. The first day of school for AHPS is Wednesday, Aug. 12.
For more information, contact Bucker at debra.buckner@ahps.k12.va.us. USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
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