NORMAN, OK (June 3, 2024) — Norman Public Schools (NPS) will offer free breakfast and lunch to all students at 10 schools starting in the 2024-2025 school year. The district will participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) federal program. The Norman Public Schools Board of Education approved the program tonight during their regularly scheduled meeting.

The CEP program provides free school meals to all enrolled students, no matter their income. Almost 5,000 students in NPS will be able to take advantage of the no-cost meals.

“Ensuring our students have reliable access to nutritious meals is critically important for their overall well-being and ability to learn,” said Superintendent Dr. Nick Migliorino. “By offering free breakfast and lunch at these schools, we hope to make it easier for every child to receive the nourishment they need to be successful in the classroom. Providing universal free meals alleviates a significant burden for our families and allows students to focus on learning instead of worrying about where their next meal will come from.”

The entire student body at a participating school is eligible for CEP based on the ratio of families who participate in the following federal programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid Free, Temporary Assistance for Need Families (TANF) or those students who are identified as a foster, homeless, migrant or runaway child.

“Families are struggling. Grocery prices have increased 4 to 10 percent each year since the pandemic. But by leveraging federal dollars, we are easing some of that financial burden for families and making it easier for children to receive a hot breakfast and hot lunch at school,” said Annette Price, Board Member for Office #3. “Hunger is an enemy of education, impairing cognitive ability and limiting the capacity of children to fully engage in school. By taking essential steps to eliminate barriers to learning, Norman is swinging open the door to student success and inspiring all students to reach their full potential.”

The NPS schools that will offer the CEP program are:

Adams Elementary School
Dimensions Academy - all grades
Irving Middle School
Jackson Elementary School
Jefferson Elementary School
Kennedy Elementary School
Lincoln Elementary School
Madison Elementary School
Reagan Elementary School
Wilson Elementary School

The district will pilot the CEP program at these schools and evaluate whether to offer it at more school sites. The federal program only covers a portion of the meal’s price, meaning the district has to review the costs associated with universal free meals.

Adams Elementary

10 NPS Schools to Serve Free Meals Next School Year