Dorchester District Two to offer free school meals for all students starting Fall 2025
SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – Every student in Dorchester School District Two will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2025–2026 school year, thanks to a federal program aimed at expanding access to nutritious meals.
The district announced it has qualified for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a program under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. CEP allows schools in areas with high percentages of low-income students to offer meals at no cost to all enrolled students, without requiring families to fill out meal applications.
'This is a great opportunity for parents to send their kids to school and get a free breakfast and a free lunch,' said Kenny Farrell, Chief Operations Officer for Dorchester District Two. 'It just helps everybody involved.'
District officials say the CEP program is fully funded by the federal government and is under a four year contract. After that, schools or districts must requalify based on updated demographic data. Farrell said the district is hopeful the funding continues beyond the initial term.
In addition to the financial relief for families, Farrell said the program helps reduce the stigma some students face when qualifying for free or reduced-price meals.
'Some people, for whatever reasons, don't feel comfortable filling out those forms,' he said. 'This way it doesn't affect kids. Kids get to come to school, and all of them get to eat free breakfast and a free lunch.'
Meals will still follow USDA nutrition guidelines and include balanced options with protein, vegetables, fruit, and milk. While the menu won't change, the district is preparing for increased participation and has partnered with Aramark to manage food services moving forward.
The CEP program officially begins July 1, 2025, but free meal service for most students will begin with the first day of school in August.
For more information, families can contact the district office at (843) 695-4920 or visit www.ddtwo.org.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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