ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville City Schools will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students starting in the 2025-26 academic year, district officials announced Tuesday.
The meals will be offered through the federal Community Eligibility Provision, a program that allows high-poverty districts to serve meals at no cost to all enrolled students without requiring families to submit meal applications.
“By implementing the Community Eligibility Provision, we are taking a monumental step towards ensuring that every single student in Asheville City Schools has the fuel they need to focus, learn, and succeed,” Superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman said in a news release. “This program not only addresses food insecurity but also fosters a sense of belonging in our schools, promoting our values rooted in equity and inclusivity.”
The district is partnering with Chartwells K-12 to implement the program. Officials said the effort is aimed at ensuring every student has consistent access to nutritious meals that support learning and overall well-being.
By removing the financial barrier to school meals, the district hopes to improve student performance, attendance and concentration while easing the burden on families.
Additional details will be shared with families in July and August. Menus for the upcoming fall semester are available online at ashevillecityschools.nutrislice.com.