Aurora to offer free meals to students

Aurora R-VIII will begin offering free breakfast and lunch for attending students for the current school year, as was detailed in a press release.
 
Superintendent Ben Yocum, announced that the district is participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) throughout the 2026-2027 school year and in doing so, providing meals at no cost to students.
 
The release announced that students do not need to complete an application to receive these services; they only need to attend the school district.
 
“Studies have shown that children who are not hungry do better in school,” said Yocum.
 
The CEP is a federal meal service option that allows schools with a certain percentage of low-income students to serve free breakfast and lunch without collecting applications for free and reduced lunch.
 
Yocum encouraged families to take advantage of the program.
 
The school breakfast and lunch programs cannot succeed without your support,” he said. “Please encourage your children to participate in the school meal programs. Meals will be served to all students regardless of eligibility status.”
 
Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the district at 417-678-3373.