Magae of students getting lunch

Vicksburg Warren School District (VWSD) is pleased to announce that the district will

participate in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, and that all

students enrolled in VWSD will receive free breakfast and lunch for the entire 2025-2026 school

year as part of the Community Eligibility Provision program. This initiative is part of VWSD’s

ongoing commitment to ensuring that every student has access to nutritious meals, which are

essential for academic success and overall well-being.

Dr. Tori Holloway, Superintendent, emphasized the importance of this program, stating, "We

understand that many families are facing economic challenges, and we are committed to

removing barriers to student success. Providing free meals to all our students is one way we can

support our community and ensure that the children of Vicksburg Warren School District are

ready to learn each day."

The free meals program, also referred to as the Community Eligibility Provision, is made

possible through a combination of federal funding and state support, allowing the district to

extend this benefit to every student, regardless of their household income. Students will be able

to enjoy a variety of healthy and balanced meals that meet all nutritional guidelines set by the

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Key Highlights of the Free Meals Program include:

ď‚· Eligibility: All students enrolled in VWSD are eligible for free breakfast and lunch.

ď‚· Meal Variety: The menu will include a diverse selection of meals, including options for

students with dietary restrictions.

ď‚· No Application Required: Families do not need to submit any forms or applications for

their children to receive free meals.

ď‚· Focus on Nutrition: Meals will be prepared with a focus on nutrition, including fresh

fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Vicksburg Warren School District has long been dedicated to supporting the health and well-

being of its students. The free meal program is an extension of this commitment, ensuring that all

students have the opportunity to enjoy nutritious meals without the worry of cost.

"We believe that no child should ever have to learn on an empty stomach," said Dr. Keba Laird,

Director of Child Nutrition. "By providing free meals, we are investing in our students' futures

and helping to create a more equitable learning environment," she adds.

Parents and guardians who have questions about the program are encouraged to contact the

VWSD Department of Child Nutrition at (601) 631-2826, or via email at cno@vwsd.org for

more information.

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In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil

rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of

race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age,

or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with

disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g.,

Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or

local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice

and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027,

USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online

at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by

calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the

complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged

discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

(ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027

form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail:

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2. fax:

(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3. email:

Program.Intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.