M-DCPS Will Offer Free Breakfast and Lunch at Qualifying Schools, Eligible Students Will Still Receive Free or Reduced Meals at Every School

Under the new meal pricing for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the upcoming school year at Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), a total of 121 schools will continue offering free breakfast and lunch.  Students at all other schools will need to fill out an application to qualify for free and reduced-price meals. 
Following the conclusion of the District's four-year participation in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), updated federal eligibility data determined that M-DCPS no longer qualifies to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students districtwide.

"Our goal is to protect families from any hardship while keeping free breakfast and lunch available to as many students as possible," said Luis E. Diaz, Chief Operations Officer for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. "We’re launching a comprehensive outreach campaign to ensure families have clear, step-by-step guidance."

CEP Schools will receive both free breakfast and lunch for all students, 121 schools

Pricing for Schools that do not Qualify for free meals (non-CEP):
Elementary and K-8 Centers  
•    Free Breakfast
•    Full price lunch is $4.20, reduced price, $.40

Middle and High Schools 
•    Full price breakfast, $2.50, reduced price, $.30
•    Full price lunch, $4.20, reduced price, $0.40

Students attending schools that do not qualify for the free benefit (non-CEP) will need to go through the federal application process and can apply starting August 10 using this link, mdcpsnutrition.net. Students who are directly certified through programs such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, foster care, Head Start, migrant services, or homeless assistance will continue to receive free meals automatically. All students will receive free meals for the first 30 days of the school year or until the new eligibility status is determined.

Every meal served by the Department of Food and Nutrition is designed to support student health, wellness, and academic achievement. Schools will work directly with families to help them understand eligibility requirements, navigate the application process, and access available benefits. Families are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible to avoid interruptions in benefits. 

Miami-Dade County Public Schools remains steadfast in its mission to support every student and family. While federal program requirements have changed, the District's commitment to excellence, choice, innovation, safety, and student well-being remains unchanged. 
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