We know proper nutrition is important to a student’s success in the classroom, and our commitment to providing nutritionally balanced meals remains.

Earlier this summer, Omaha Public Schools shared that some schools in our District no longer qualify for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). The CEP provided meals at no cost to families since 2022-23 school year.

Starting in the 2025-26 school year, the impacted schools will return to the traditional National School Lunch Program. That means families will be charged for school lunch unless they qualify for free or reduced meal status.

• To qualify for free or reduced-price meals, families must complete a Free and Reduced Meal Application and receive approval based on the federal guidelines.
• Paper copies of the application will be available in schools and at the Omaha Public Schools Teacher Administrative Center after July 7, 2025.
• This applies to lunch only. Omaha Public Schools will continue serving breakfast at no charge for all students.

The impacted schools include:

Elementary Schools

• Catlin
• Columbian
• Crestridge
• Dundee
• Fullerton
• Harrison
• Jackson
• Pawnee
• Picotte
• Ponca
• Saddlebrook
• Springville
• Standing Bear
• Washington
• Wilson
  
  

Middle Schools

• Beveridge Middle
• Buffett Middle
• Davis Middle

High Schools

• Burke High
• Westview High

Programs

• Omaha Virtual School

Schools that requalified for CEP will continue to receive lunch at no charge, regardless of income. Families at the CEP-qualified schools may fill out an Educational Benefits Form, which allows eligible families to access additional benefits in our schools and community. The Educational Benefits Form can be filled out online or at your child's school. 

Please contact Nutrition Services at (531) 299-0230 with any questions.