Norman, OK – Norman Public Schools is expanding its participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program that allows eligible schools to serve one free breakfast and one free lunch to all students. This expansion was approved earlier this calendar year, well before the recent state-level messaging.
During the 2024–2025 school year, the district served more than 590,000 free meals across 10 participating schools. Lunch participation rose by 6.2%, and breakfast participation has risen by 11.8% at the 10 sites during the 2024-2025. In total, our schools received an additional $400,000 in federal funds for this program during the 2024-2025 school year.
Building on the program’s success, nine additional schools will join CEP for the 2025–2026 school year.
CEP Schools (2024–2025)
| New CEP Schools (Starting 2025–2026)
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For many families, the cost of school meals adds up quickly. On average, families could spend up to $96 per child in elementary school and $100 per child in middle or high school for breakfast and lunch each month. CEP removes this cost burden while ensuring students have access to the nutrition they need to thrive.
This expansion reinforces the district’s commitment to student health, well-being, and academic success.
“By using available federal dollars to make nutrition more accessible in Norman Public Schools, we're accelerating learning as well as supporting students’ physical and mental health,” said Annette Price, NPS Board of Education Member. “Research shows free school meals reduce behavioral problems, anxiety, and depression. The bottom line is when kids aren't hungry at school, they can stay focused, resulting in better academic outcomes and future success beyond high school.”
“We absolutely agree that feeding kids is the right thing to do. Access to healthy meals supports learning, attendance, and overall well-being, which is why we’ve continued to prioritize it across the district,” said Dr. Migliorino, NPS Superintendent. “That’s also why we have never, and will never, allow a student to miss a meal or go hungry, no matter their family’s situation.”
For more information about school meals and nutrition services at NPS, visit https://www.normanps.org/page/community-eligibility-provision or https://www.normanps.org/page/child-nutrition .