Greenville County, SC, August 9, 2025
News Summary
In a recent announcement, Greenville County Schools revealed plans to provide free lunches to students at 81 schools during the upcoming school year. This initiative is made possible by the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) from the USDA, which allows schools to serve free meals without individual eligibility applications. The program aims to enhance the nutritional quality of meals available to students and support their academic success. Additionally, free breakfast will also be available at all schools, with summer meal opportunities continuing until July 31.
Greenville County Schools will provide free lunches to students at 81 schools during the 2025-2026 school year, according to a recent announcement. This initiative is made possible through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, allowing schools to serve free meals to all students without individual eligibility applications.
Every school in the district, except for certain unnamed schools, will participate in this free lunch program, which aims to enhance the quality of nutritious meals available to students. The goal is to support their academic success and encourage healthy lifestyles. Additionally, breakfast is offered for free at all schools across the district.
The CEP is expanding in South Carolina to include students enrolled in Medicaid benefits. This expansion is what enables the 81 schools to qualify for the program. Furthermore, once enrolled in the program, these schools will remain eligible for at least the 2026-27 school year due to a four-year eligibility guarantee.
As part of broader support during the summer months, free meals for children and teens are also being provided through the Seamless Summer Food Service Program until July 31. Nutritionally balanced meals will be served to children aged 18 and younger at various locations throughout Greenville County.
Starting May 28, lunch will be available Monday through Saturday at the Roper Mountain Science Center. For high school students, with the exception of Hillcrest High, breakfast and lunch services will be available Monday through Thursday starting May 27 and continuing until July 31. Additionally, selected middle and elementary schools will offer breakfast and lunch on Mondays through Thursdays from June 2 until June 26.
Participating Schools
The participating middle schools include Beck, Berea, Bryson, Greer, Lakeview, Tanglewood, and Woodmont. For those who wish to take advantage of meals during the summer, Sterling School will offer breakfast and lunch at the Officer Jacobs Camp from July 7 to 11.
To further facilitate access, bulk meals containing three to four days of food will be available for qualifying children at designated curbside pickup locations. Parents or guardians must present a student ID, report card, or birth certificate to pick up meals on behalf of their children. Curbside meal pickup will be available at Slater Marietta Elementary, Rudolph Gordon School, and Ellen Woodside Elementary.
Additional Information
For more details about this initiative and meal programs, additional information can be accessed on the Greenville County Schools website. This program reflects the district’s commitment to providing nutritious meals and supporting the well-being of its students.
Key Features of the Free Lunch Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | All students at 81 designated schools, without individual applications. |
| Duration | Starting 2025-2026 school year, with a guarantee for at least 2026-27. |
| Breakfast Offerings | Free breakfast offered at all schools. |
| Summer Program | Free Summer meal program available for children and teens until July 31. |
| Curbside Meal Pickup | Available at designated locations for families. |
FAQ Section
What is the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)?
The CEP is a U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative that allows schools to offer free meals to all students without requiring individual eligibility applications.
Which schools are participating in the free lunch program?
A total of 81 schools in Greenville County will provide free lunch, while some unnamed schools will not participate.
How long will the free lunch program last?
The program will be available during the 2025-2026 school year and is guaranteed to continue for the 2026-27 school year.
Is breakfast available for free?
Yes, breakfast is provided free of charge at all schools in the district.
What summer meal options are available for kids and teens?
Free meals will be provided to children aged 18 and under at various locations until July 31, as part of the Seamless Summer Food Service Program.
How can parents access curbside meal pickup?
Parents or guardians must present a student ID, report card, or birth certificate to pick up meals at designated locations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Greenville County Schools to Provide Free Lunch for Students
Greenville Schools Provide Free Lunch to Students
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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
Greenville County Schools Proposes $947.8 Million Budget for 2025-26
Lifelong Learning Program for Seniors at Furman University
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Greenville County Schools Offer Free Lunch
- Greenville Online: Schools Not Offering Free Lunch
- Kidding Around Greenville: Free Summer Lunch
- WSPA: Greenville Co. Schools Offering Free Breakfast & Lunch
- Greenville Online: Where to Get Free Food for Kids
- Wikipedia: Nutrition in Schools
- Google Search: Free School Lunch Program
- Google Scholar: Free School Lunch Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Eligibility Provision
- Google News: Greenville County Schools
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.
