Free meal distribution for all children extended through rest of the school year
(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT -- Oct. 15, 2020) — EPISD will provide free breakfast and lunch to any child, regardless of their income or enrollment status, through the rest of the school year thanks to a new provision from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The District had announced earlier this fall that free meals for all children would be distributed through the end of the calendar year. Under the new federal allowances, the meal program will be extended through the spring.
Free meals will be distributed for any child ages 1-18. Students do not need to be students in the District to qualify.
“We are grateful to the USDA for allowing us to continue this service to the community,” said Laura Duran, EPISD’s director of nutritional services. “We know that during these difficult times, school meals are a lifeline for families who may be struggling to find healthy and nutritious food for their children.”
Every EPISD school will have curbside distribution of breakfast and hot lunch meals from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please note that curbside schedule may change once in-person instruction begins, although drive-through service will continue for students who are learning virtually.
Children need not be present to receive the meals, however, parents or guardians must present one of the following documents for verification:
- Official document from any school to demonstrate enrollment.
- Report card
- Birth certificate
- Student ID card
Parents who pick up meals for their children will be given a verification card at a campus and they will be required to pick up all meals at that campus from then on.
Meals WILL be distributed during the second week of the fall intersession on Oct. 19-23.
Graphic by Martín A. López