Kearney Public Schools Administration Office, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
Kearney Public Schools (KPS) is pleased to announce that starting this school year, students at Bryant, Central, Emerson Elementary Schools, and Bright Futures Preschool will receive free breakfast and lunch for the next four years.
This initiative has been made possible through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Grant, a key component of the National School Lunch Program aimed at schools in low-income areas.
Kate Murphy, Director of KPS Bearcat Diner, expressed her enthusiasm about the program: “Ensuring every child starts their day with a nutritious meal is fundamental to their learning and overall health. We are thrilled to extend free meal services to these schools where the need is greatest. This isn’t just about meals—it’s about empowering our students to succeed both academically and personally.”
The four schools qualified for the CEP based on their high rates of participation in federal assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), reflecting the community’s need for continued support.
Jason Mundorf, Superintendent of Kearney Public Schools, commented on the initiative: “As educators, our responsibility extends beyond the classroom. It’s about creating an environment where all students can thrive. Providing free meals through the CEP grant is a powerful tool in this mission, helping to equalize opportunities for our students and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the nutrition they need to excel in school.”
The initiative underscores KPS’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and ensuring that no child starts their school day hungry. Parents and guardians seeking more information about the CEP and its benefits can visit the USDA Community Eligibility Provision Resource Center at https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/cep/resource-center.
