News Summary
Greenville County Schools will offer free lunches to all students, ensuring no child goes hungry during the school year, thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision.
Greenville County has announced that 81 schools will provide free lunch for all students during the 2025-2026 school year, marking a significant step forward in nutrition and accessibility for the district’s young learners. This initiative will allow students to receive meals without the need for individual eligibility applications, ensuring that no child goes hungry during the school day.
The free lunch program is made possible through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a funding option from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This program is designed to streamline meal services in schools with high levels of low-income students. In the Greenville County School District, every school except those specifically excluded will participate in the program, which also continues the offering of free breakfast at all district schools.
The inclusion of students enrolled in Medicaid benefits in this second-year expansion further broadens access to nutritious meals, catering to families in need. The CEP status for the designated 81 schools is guaranteed to last for at least four years, ensuring stable support for school meals through the 2026-27 school year.
The 2025-26 school year for Greenville County Schools kicked off on August 11, which saw enthusiastic participation from parents and students alike. The district, which serves approximately 77,000 students, remains the largest by enrollment in South Carolina.
The introduction of new schools adds to the district’s capacity to serve its students effectively. One notable addition is Reedy Laurel Elementary, which opened this year, accommodating students in grades K4 through second grade. Principal Matt Critell shared that the school initially serves around 240 students, with plans to expand its facilities to accommodate a total of 750 students by its full enrollment completion.
Reedy Laurel Elementary emphasizes science education and environmental stewardship, providing hands-on learning experiences through innovative classroom features. These include wet labs, wind tunnels, greenhouses, and pollinator gardens, all aimed at fostering a love for learning that cultivates students’ academic growth through fifth grade.
Meanwhile, the Greenville County Schools have prioritized safety measures, practicing regular safety drills across the district. This initiative reflects the commitment of the school administration to maintain a secure environment for all students and staff.
This school year has been marked by significant changes in leadership, with 10 new principals appointed at various schools, including Armstrong Elementary and Wade Hampton High School. Notably, the district reported no delays in bus services or staffing issues during the school year’s commencement, reflecting an organized start for the academic year.
The community surrounding Greenville County Schools has shown excitement for the new school year and the opportunities it presents for students. As the district continues to strive for high-quality, nutritious meals aimed at supporting academic success, the implementation of the free lunch program is expected to play a vital role in promoting healthy lifestyles among the youth.
In conclusion, the free lunch initiative at 81 schools within the Greenville County School District not only signifies a commitment to combating childhood hunger but also lays the groundwork for a supportive educational environment that prioritizes health and well-being. As the new school year progresses, parents and educators alike are eager to see the positive impacts this program will have on student engagement and academic performance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenville County Schools to Offer Free Lunch and Breakfast
Greenville County Schools to Offer Free Lunches at 81 Schools
Greenville County Schools to Provide Free Lunches
Greenville County Schools to Provide Free Lunch for Students
Greenville Schools Provide Free Lunch to Students
Greenville County Tackles Rising Food Insecurity Among Residents
Greenville County Schools Implement Free Summer Meal Program
New Dining Destination STIR to Open in Downtown Greenville
Furman University to Host L.D. Johnson Lecture Featuring Yale Professor
Proposed Funding Cuts Threaten School Meal Programs in South Carolina
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina
- Wikipedia: Community Eligibility Provision
- Greenville Online
- Google Search: Greenville County Schools
- Audacy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nutrition
- WSPA
- Google News: Greenville County free lunch program
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
