The Gates Chili Central School District is proud to announce that every Gates Chili student can receive a free breakfast and lunch at school every day in the 2023-24 school year.

The district was recently approved for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a program funded by a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and New York State that allows schools in low-income areas to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students.

“The availability of free meals for all students is certainly a proud moment for our school district, reflecting our commitment to equity, inclusivity, and the well-being of our entire school community,” said Superintendent of Schools Christopher Dailey. “By providing nutritious meals for all students, we are removing barriers that hinder student success.”

Providing free meals for all students—regardless of income—is a proven strategy to reduce food insecurity, improve mental and physical health, support students’ ability to thrive academically, and bolster educational, health, and economic equity. Thus, the district encourages all students to take advantage of this benefit by getting a free breakfast or lunch at school every day.

“Students perform better in school when they have had a healthy breakfast and nutritious lunch,” said Janice Phillips, director of school nutrition. “We are thrilled to be able to provide this resource at no cost to families this school year.”

Families do not have to complete any forms for their student(s) to receive free meals at school. However, families are strongly encouraged to complete the Income Eligibility Form, formerly known as the Free and Reduced Meal Application, which is tied to other important benefits for students such as fee waivers for advanced placement exams, dual-credit tuition assistance, state funding and more. Historically, this application has also been tied to P-EBT benefits. Those forms are available at gateschili.org/FreeReducedApp or in the district’s school nutrition office at Gates Chili Middle School, 2 Spartan Way, Rochester, NY 14624. Applications are accepted throughout the school year. Please submit forms as soon as possible for processing.

Menus are posted monthly at gateschili.org/menus. For more information parents and guardians can call the Gates Chili School Nutrition Office at 585-247-7213. Gates Chili Central School District and USDA are equal opportunity providers and employers.