For the 2025–26 school year, Austin Independent School District (AISD) will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students at 76 campuses through the federally funded Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. This initiative allows schools in qualifying low-income areas to offer free meals to every enrolled student without requiring applications or documentation.
At campuses not eligible for CEP, students will continue to receive meals based on their eligibility status: free, reduced-price, or paid. The Texas Legislature has allocated funding so that students approved for reduced-price meals at these schools will also receive both breakfast and lunch at no cost during the 2025–26 school year.
Students can qualify for free or reduced-price meals at non-CEP schools through direct certification by programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), foster care enrollment, migrant, homeless, or runaway programs, and Head Start. Alternatively, families can complete an AISD meal benefits application online or via paper forms available at campuses.
Students who do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals may purchase school breakfasts and lunches at set prices. For elementary schools, full price breakfast is $1.90 and lunch is $3.40; for middle and high schools, breakfast costs $2.15 and lunch is $3.65. Adult/guest meal prices are higher.
AISD works with local agencies to identify children eligible for state-funded meal programs and will notify families who do not need to submit an application. Families who believe they should have received notification but did not—or those wishing to decline benefits—can contact AISD Food Service.
Applications for meal benefits may be submitted throughout the year by families whose children attend non-CEP schools. The information provided helps determine eligibility and may be verified by school officials at any time.
A list of participating CEP campuses includes Uphaus Early Childhood Center; numerous elementary schools such as Allison, Blanton, Boone, Cook, Govalle; middle schools including Bedichek and Burnet; high schools like Akins ECHS and Crockett ECHS; as well as other sites like Alternative Learning Center and Rosedale School.
“AISD is an equal opportunity provider.”
For more information about the program or eligibility questions, families are encouraged to contact AISD Food Service at 512-414-0251.
