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Hillsborough County, FL – Hillsborough County Public Schools will continue providing free breakfast and lunch to students at participating campuses during the 2026 through 2027 school year through a federal meal assistance program aimed at expanding access to nutritious food.
Under the Community Eligibility Provision, students attending qualifying schools will automatically receive breakfast and lunch at no cost each school day.
Families with children enrolled at participating campuses do not need to complete an application for free or reduced price meals because every student at those schools is eligible to receive meals.
District officials said the program is available at select elementary, middle and high schools throughout Hillsborough County.
The federal initiative allows schools with a high percentage of students from low income households to provide free meals to all enrolled students, regardless of individual family income.
Students attending schools that are not part of the Community Eligibility Provision may still qualify for free or reduced price meals through the National School Lunch Program.
Families at those campuses must complete the appropriate meal application to determine eligibility for assistance.
School leaders said the program is intended to ensure students have reliable access to healthy meals during the school day while helping reduce financial burdens for families.
Research has shown that consistent access to school meals can support student health, attendance and academic performance.
Parents are encouraged to confirm whether their child’s school participates in the program before the start of the new school year.
Hillsborough County Public Schools has published a list of participating campuses as students and families prepare for the return to classrooms later this year.