33 Houston ISD schools to forgo automatic free student lunch, breakfast in 2026-27 school year

Houston Independent School District (HISD) announced that 33 schools will end automatic free breakfast and lunch for all students in the 2026-27 school year. The change affects schools participating in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, which allows high-poverty schools to serve meals without individual applications. Seven of the 33 schools had already opted out of CEP in the 2025-26 school year. The affected schools include Baker Montessori, Briarmeadow Charter School, Bush Elementary, and others listed on HISD’s website. Students at these campuses can still qualify for free or reduced-price meals by submitting a separate Free/Reduced Price Meal Application. The CEP program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Administration, targets schools in low-income areas. Eligibility depends on federal criteria, including participation in programs like SNAP and TANF. HISD’s decision follows federal guidelines, though the USDA did not comment on potential eligibility changes. Students and families can check if their school is impacted and apply for meal assistance through HISD’s website. The application process remains open for those seeking free or reduced-price meals, ensuring no student is left without access to nutrition if they qualify. The shift reflects broader federal adjustments to school meal programs, though HISD maintains that individual applications remain available for eligible students.