All students eat free at Chaffee R-2 schools through USDA food program

CHAFFEE, Mo. (KBSI) – The Chaffee School District has announced that they have joined a program that will support academic nutrition and success. The district will now provide free breakfast and lunch to students all year round. 

The Community Eligibility Provision is a non-pricing meal service option for schools in low-income areas administered through the USDA.

According to Chaffee R-2 Superintendent Shawn Nix changes to the program this year will allow for some schools that didn’t previously qualify, qualify now.  

“The criteria of being on TANF or snap or those things went a little lower so that we were able to encompass our high school students and go district wide and I would think other districts are going to be able to take advantage as well” says Nix.

Through this every student in the district is guaranteed both breakfast and lunch at no cost to parents. Nix says covering the cost of school lunch can be challenging for parents and this helps add some financial relief throughout the school year.

“They can come and eat and not have to worry about bringing lunch money, is the biggest deal. Everyone’s going to be taken care of” says Nix.

Statistically children who are experiencing hunger are more likely to experience problems with memory and concentration due to a lack of energy. Nix says this school year that won’t be a problem.  

“Its a huge thing. Ya know if kids are hungry, it’s a basic need and so that basic need is going to be met” says Nix “and so their more apt and ready to learn and ready to go to class and not have to be worried about where their meal comes from that day.” 

Nix says parents do not need to fill out any form or provide any additional information. Every student in the district is covered.