Lexington, Kentucky, October 31, 2025
Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) has confirmed that the ongoing federal government shutdown will not affect the free and reduced-price meal program for students. The Child Nutrition Department will continue to operate without interruption, ensuring that all eligible students receive essential meals. Schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) will serve meals at no charge, while others will maintain services for qualified students. FCPS emphasizes its commitment to student nutrition and encourages families to apply for meal assistance.
Lexington, Kentucky – Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) has assured parents and guardians that the ongoing federal government shutdown will not impact the availability of free and reduced-price meals for students. The district’s Child Nutrition Department is continuing its operations without interruption, providing essential meals to all eligible students.
Schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) will serve all students at no charge, including schools such as Arlington, Ashland, Booker T. Washington, and many others. Middle and high schools like Bryan Station and Tates Creek, along with several specialized programs, also remain unaffected by the shutdown and will continue offering meals at no cost.
For schools not part of the CEP, students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household income or other federally approved assistance programs will continue receiving their meals without disruption. FCPS encourages families to apply for meal assistance if they have not already done so.
The district emphasizes its commitment to ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals that support their health and academic success, despite the challenges posed by the federal shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the federal government shutdown affect the availability of free and reduced-price meals in Fayette County Public Schools?
No, the federal government shutdown will not affect the availability of free and reduced-price meals. Fayette County Public Schools’ Child Nutrition Department continues to operate without interruption, ensuring that all eligible students receive the meals they depend on.
Which schools in Fayette County Public Schools participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)?
The following schools participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), providing meals at no charge to all students:
- Arlington
- Ashland
- Booker T. Washington
- Breckinridge
- Cardinal Valley
- Coventry Oak
- Deep Springs
- Dixie
- Garden Springs
- Glendover
- Harrison
- James Lane Allen
- Julius Marks
- Lansdowne
- Liberty
- Mary Todd
- Meadowthorpe
- Millcreek
- Northern
- Picadome
- Russell Cave
- Sandersville
- Southern
- Squires
- Tates Creek
- William Wells Brown
Additionally, middle and high schools such as Bryan Station, Crawford, Leestown, Lexington Traditional Magnet, Morton, Southern, Tates Creek, and Winburn, along with other programs like the Audrey Grevious Center, Carter G. Woodson Academy, Carter G. Woodson Preparatory Academy, Family Care Center, Fayette County Preschool Center, Martin Luther King Jr. Academy, Opportunity Middle College, Rise STEM Academy for Girls, Success Academy, The Learning Center, and The Stables, continue to provide meals at no cost to all students.
How can families apply for free or reduced-price meals if they haven’t already?
Families can apply for free or reduced-price meals by visiting the Fayette County Public Schools website and completing the meal assistance application. Detailed information and the application form are available on the district’s website.
Is there any impact on meal services for students not attending CEP schools?
No, there is no impact on meal services for students not attending CEP schools. Students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals based on household income or other federally approved assistance programs will continue to receive their meals without disruption. Families are encouraged to apply for meal assistance if they have not already done so.
Key Features of Fayette County Public Schools’ Meal Services
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) | Provides free meals to all students at participating schools without the need for individual applications. |
| Free and Reduced-Price Meals | Available to eligible students based on household income or other federally approved assistance programs. Families can apply through the district’s website. |
| Meal Assistance Application | Families can apply for meal assistance by completing the application available on the Fayette County Public Schools website. |
| Commitment to Student Nutrition | Despite the federal government shutdown, FCPS remains dedicated to ensuring all students have access to nutritious meals to support their health and academic success. |
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