St. Tammany Public Schools to Continue Free Meal Program for 2025-26 School Year
In a significant development affecting students and families within St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, public school officials have voted to continue providing free meals to all students during the 2025-26 academic year. This decision came during a School Board meeting on June 15, where members voted 7-5 in favor of extending the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, a federal initiative aimed at ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals.
The approval to sustain the CEP program reverses a prior decision made just a week earlier during a committee meeting, reflecting an ongoing dialogue among board members, educators, and parents regarding the program’s benefits and implications. Concerns had been raised following the committee’s initial recommendation to suspend the program, primarily related to financial feasibility and the potential impact on various aspects of the school district’s budget.
Terri Prevost, the district’s chief financial officer, noted that she and Superintendent Frank Jabbia had conducted a thorough review of financial options to determine how to effectively fund the program, which is expected to cost approximately .5 million for the upcoming school year. Prevost stated, “I took a hard look at the options and am confident that we can provide for the food program without significantly impacting our other financial needs.”
Despite the administration’s assurance, some board members expressed skepticism regarding the decision, questioning whether redirecting funds from other crucial programs, such as school maintenance, was prudent. Critics of the CEP program argue that alternatives exist, such as income-based applications for free or reduced-price meals, which could target assistance more effectively to families in need.
Supporters of the program, including board member James Braud, countered that the CEP model simplifies access to meals for all students, noting, “This is a good program. It’s beneficial to the community.” The ongoing debate highlights contrasting views on how best to support families while managing financial resources within the educational sector.
Established under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, the CEP program is designed to increase meal participation in schools with high percentages of low-income students. Schools are reassessed for eligibility every four years, allowing districts the option to opt in or out annually. St. Tammany school officials suggest that the 2025-26 school year might be the final opportunity for the district to participate in the program due to various financial considerations.
As policymakers and stakeholders continue to navigate these complex issues, the future of meal programs in St. Tammany Schools remains uncertain, with decisions made now likely to have lasting impacts on students and families in the community. The outcome of this initiative underscores not only the importance of nutrition in education but also the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and community support in educational finance.