Durham Schools Among Free Breakfast Grant Recipients

School districts and public charter schools across North Carolina, including Durham Public Schools, are expected to share $1.3 million in grants to expand access to breakfast for students.

“Our public schools not only provide safe places for children to learn, but also healthy meals for students who sometimes face food insecurity at home,” said Gov. Roy Cooper in announcing the NC Innovative School Breakfast Grants. “These grants will help more public schools provide breakfast for children in the classroom so they can start their day ready to learn and be successful.”

Statewide, nearly 60% of public school students qualify for free- or reduced-price meals. In Durham, 56% of DPS students qualify, according to 2023/24 statistics tracked by the district.

The districts will receive funds under the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) to make school meals available to all students at no cost to their families. Recipients were chosen through a competitive grant program managed by the Carolina Hunger Initiative and the North Carolina Alliance for Health.

“School meals are an instructional intervention,” said Lou Anne Crumpler, director of the Carolina Hunger Initiative, according to a news release. “From reducing chronic absenteeism to improving reading achievement, small changes in how school breakfast is served can make big impacts on student success.”

Funds are expected to be used on kitchen and serving equipment to make meal distribution more efficient.

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