Students to Receive Free Meals in DeKalb County

RAINSVILLE, Ala. (WDEF) – Families across DeKalb County received much needed news this week.

The DeKalb County School system has nearly 9,000 students across 13 schools.

This week, the school system announced that for the next two school years, students will be able to receive free school meals in county schools.

DeKalb County School Superintendent Wayne Lyles said, “We’re very excited about this three-year contract that will be able to provide breakfast and lunch for our students.”

This is being made possible by the Community Eligibility Provision from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

This federal program allows schools in low-income areas to be reimbursed for providing free school meals.

They are reimbursed using a formula based on the area’s participation in SNAP and other needs-based programs.

“Food insecurity is a problem in DeKalb County. We have many food pantries that are relied for our families in the area,” Lyles said.

He said 80% of all students in the district currently qualify for free or reduced lunches.

According to the 2020 Census, the average per capita income in DeKalb County is just under $24,000 and almost 20% of all county residents are classified as being under the poverty line. 

In times of inflation, this news is being well received.

“Just from the social media posts alone they’re super excited,” Lyles said. “This is putting money back into their pockets, that they can use for other resources for their children.”

DeKalb County Schools have their first day of classes on Friday, August 4.