<Media Release> Tulsa Public Schools Announces Free Breakfast and Lunch for All 34,000 Students Districtwide
What: Tulsa Public Schools Announces Free Breakfast and Lunch for All 34,000 Students Districtwide
When: Thursday, July 25, 2024; 11AM
Where: Memorial High School cafeteria, (5840 S Hudson)
Contact: Luke Chitwood at news@tulsaschools.org or 918-605-6009
TULSA, Okla. – Beginning on August 20, 2024, Tulsa Public Schools will offer free breakfast and lunch daily to all of the nearly 34,000 students enrolled in Oklahoma’s largest school district. Through the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision, or CEP, Tulsa Public Schools students in grades PreK-12 will be universally eligible for free, nutritious meals. While the district has been able to offer free breakfast and lunch to Elementary students thanks to the CEP for the past 5+ years, opening up eligibility districtwide will mean over 15,000 students from Secondary grades immediately gain eligibility for free meals at school.
“Providing free meals to students across Tulsa Public Schools is consistent with the district’s commitment to removing barriers for our students’ success and directing every resource to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive,” said Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson. “This commitment will continue to be a hallmark of my leadership, and I’m delighted we’re able to expand access to an essential resource for our students.”
Studies on the implementation of CEP in other school districts have shown that it translates into increased student participation in the National School Lunch Program – meaning more students are eating at school and gaining both the physical and educational benefits of quality nutrition during the school day.
"We are thrilled with the announcement that our state's largest school district will now be able to offer every student the benefit of healthy meals through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)," said Chris Bernard, President and CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma. “We know from experience and research that offering quality nutrition during the school day benefits all students and improves outcomes for everyone.”
A report from Syracuse University’s Maxwell Center for Policy Research demonstrated results of universal school lunch programs including improved test scores for students – regardless of family income – in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics, along with increased participation in school lunch. Tulsa Public Schools serves a population of students with over 80% qualifying as economically disadvantaged. CEP participation provides every student with the benefits of high-quality nutrition immediately, without burdensome paperwork or required registration.
Additionally, reducing stigma around school lunch and improving student nutrition during school hours translates into big gains for everyone. According to No Kid Hungry, "When a child’s nutritional needs are met, the child is more attentive in class, has better attendance, and has fewer disciplinary problems."
About CEP
An effort of the United States Department of Agriculture, the CEP allows the nation’s highest poverty schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications. Instead, schools that adopt CEP are reimbursed using a formula based on the percentage of students categorically eligible for free meals based on their participation in other specific means-tested programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Tulsa Public Schools honors the diversity, creativity, and passion of our students, elevating every student to be designers of their destiny. Our students lead through literacy, are empowered through experience, and contribute to their community. Learn more at www.tulsaschools.org.