Families across Copperas Cove will find one less item on their back-to-school checklist this year, as Copperas Cove Independent School District (CCISD) announced that all students will receive free breakfast and lunch beginning with the 2025–26 school year.

Thanks to funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Eligibility Provision, and confirmed by the Texas Department of Agriculture, CCISD qualifies to provide meals at no charge to every student—regardless of income.

Superintendent Dr. Brent Hawkins called the announcement a win for academic equity and child well-being. “Our goal is to ensure the well-being of each of our students, both academically and otherwise,” he said. “By bringing this program to Copperas Cove, every Bulldawg will be able to guarantee their access to a nutritious, delicious meal. Not only does this fulfill a great need within our community, but it gives the students in Cove what they need to be able to focus on their classwork.”

The initiative also streamlines operations for both families and the district, removing the need for households to submit applications for free or reduced-price meals at the start of the year—a move that reduces paperwork and processing burdens for school staff.

Parents with questions about the program can contact the CCISD Child Nutrition Department at (254) 547-1227.

This program is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).