GRPS Guarantees Hunger-Free Learning Through Federal Meal Program
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) has committed to ensuring that no student goes hungry during the school day by offering free breakfasts and lunches to all enrolled children through a federally funded program.
Thousands of Meals Served Daily
GRPS officials say the district provides 5,100 breakfasts every morning and nearly 9,700 lunches each afternoon, feeding more than 10,000 students daily at no cost to families.
Parents, like Revna Emmons, expressed relief knowing their children never have to worry about going without food.
“There shouldn’t be a worry of sending your kid to school with food or not food, and kids shouldn’t have to worry about that,” Emmons said.
Community Eligibility Provision Supports Program
The meals are made possible through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program that GRPS has used for 15 years. Schools qualify if at least 25% of student families participate in programs such as SNAP or TANF, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Luke Stier, GRPS Communications Director, emphasized the importance of the program:
“It is critical for our scholars to be fed. To not be hungry, to be able to go to class and focus on learning, not focus on being hungry or when that next meal is happening.”
Healthy Options and Student Favorites
Meals are designed to meet federal nutrition standards and include vegetables like green beans and broccoli, along with student favorites such as chicken tenders. Students simply line up in the cafeteria and receive their meals—no sign-up required.
Parents say the policy reflects GRPS’s commitment to prioritizing children’s well-being and academic success.
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