Every student enrolled in Canton Local Schools will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2026-27 school year under a new federal meal program, the district announced.
The district is participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a program within the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs that allows qualifying school districts to provide meals to all enrolled students at no cost.
Under the program, families will not need to complete free or reduced-price meal applications for their children to receive breakfast and lunch during the school year.
District officials said the change is intended to simplify the meal process for families while ensuring students have access to nutritious meals that support learning and academic success.
“This streamlined approach reduces paperwork for families and school staff while helping ensure that every student has access to nutritious meals,” the district said in its announcement.
The CEP program eliminates the collection of household applications for free, reduced-price and paid meals at participating schools.
In addition to free school meals, Canton Local Schools noted that some families may also qualify for free health care coverage through Medicaid and Ohio’s Healthy Start and Healthy Families programs. Those programs may provide coverage for doctor visits, immunizations, prescriptions, dental and vision care, mental health services and substance abuse treatment.
“Canton Local Schools is proud to offer this benefit to students and families and remains committed to supporting the health, well-being and academic success of every Wildcat,” the district said.
The free breakfast and lunch program will be available to all enrolled students beginning with the start of the 2026-27 school year.
