NPSB Announces Free Meals for All Students in 2025-2026 School Year

NPSB Announces Free Meals for all Students in 2025-2026 School Year

NATCHITOCHES, LA - Natchitoches Parish School Board is pleased to announce that all enrolled students will receive free breakfast and lunch every school day during the 2025-2026 academic year through the district's participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

The program eliminates barriers to student nutrition by removing the application process entirely. Parents and guardians are not required to complete meal benefit applications for their children. The only requirement for participation is enrollment in a Natchitoches Parish Public School.

NPSB Director of Child Nutrition, Shauna Hicks, states "We are very pleased that all Natchitoches Parish students are now eligible to participate in the CEP program. Proving proper nutrition for our students fosters a positive learning environment and helps each child reach their full potential."

Program Details:

• All enrolled students are eligible for free breakfast and lunch.
• No applications or paperwork is required from families.
• The program covers standard breakfast and lunch meals. 
• Students must still pay for extra meals, a la carte items, and additional sales items. 

The Community Eligibility Provision is a federal program that allows high-need districts to provide free meals to all students without requiring individual household applications. This approach ensures consistent access to nutrition for all students. 

About Natchitoches Parish School Board
The Natchitoches Parish School Board meets the challenges required to raise academic standards and positively impact student achievements throughout all of Natchitoches Parish. We are committed to a policy of educating children by helping them to develop an awareness and appreciation for the achievements, problems and aspirations of all people in our culturally diverse society. For more information, please visit www.npsb.la.