St. Tammany Public Schools to Continue Offering Free School Lunches for Another Year
St. Tammany Schools to Provide Free Meals Through 2025-26 Amid Funding Discussions
In a significant decision during the School Board’s June 15 meeting, the St. Tammany Parish School Board voted to continue its participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, ensuring that public school students will receive free meals throughout the 2025-26 school year. This marks a reversal from a prior decision made at a committee meeting just a week earlier, highlighting ongoing debates around funding and resources within the district.
The board’s vote, which concluded with a 7-5 tally, demonstrates the contentious nature of the issue, as concerns were raised by board members, educators, and parents about the previous decision to suspend the program. Terri Prevost, the district’s chief financial officer, emphasized the importance of the CEP, stating that both she and Superintendent Frank Jabbia had taken time to address the mounting concerns regarding the program’s potential suspension. The financial implications of continuing the CEP for the upcoming academic year are estimated to reach approximately .5 million—a substantial sum for the district amidst an already tight budget.
“After examining various options,” Prevost expressed, “we determined that we could secure funding for the food program without severely affecting the district’s other financial responsibilities.” The administration’s recommendation to sustain the program was thus introduced at the May 15 full board meeting, where the final decision regarding participation was made. This decision directly impacts the health and well-being of students, as access to nutritious meals is critical for academic success and cognitive function.
Despite the benefits, some board members raised questions about the program’s funding strategy, expressing concerns about diverting money from essential areas, such as school maintenance. Critics of the program have suggested that alternative initiatives designed to provide free meals to low-income families could be more equitable, as they require families to fill out applications to qualify. These critics have pointed out that the CEP, while beneficial, indiscriminately offers free meals to all families regardless of their financial situation.
Conversely, supporters of the CEP, including Board Member James Braud, emphasized its community value. “Parents appreciate the district’s continued participation in this program,” Braud remarked. “It’s a good program that benefits the entire community.”
The Community Eligibility Provision was initiated by Congress under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, designed to streamline meal service access for students by allowing school districts to provide free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students. Schools apply for participation every four years, with districts permitted to reconsider their involvement annually. Future participation in the CEP for St. Tammany officials could be uncertain, as they anticipate that the 2025-26 school year may be their last under the current program structure due to ongoing discussions about sustainability and funding.
As conversations continue regarding the fiscal viability of the program alongside other educational needs, the School Board’s decision reflects a broader commitment to addressing student health and community needs even amid financial constraints. The upcoming academic year will be closely watched as the district navigates these challenges.
