Jackson County, Oregon, July 24, 2025
News Summary
Jackson County Public Schools will provide two free meals daily to students as part of a food assistance program addressing food insecurity. This initiative includes students at Western Carolina University’s Catamount School and reflects a community commitment to ensure that children have access to nutritious meals. Funded by the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, the program aims to alleviate financial burdens on families while supporting students’ educational focus. With food insecurity rates significantly higher in the region, such initiatives are crucial for community health and child’s development.
Jackson County, Oregon—Jackson County Public Schools (JCPS) will once again provide two free meals a day to students, including breakfast and lunch, as part of a food assistance program aimed at combating food insecurity. This initiative will run for the second consecutive year and also includes students enrolled at Western Carolina University’s Catamount School. The program is designed to help alleviate the financial burden meal costs put on families in the region.
Funding for the program comes from allocations approved by the Jackson County Board of Commissioners. Last year, the program incurred an expenditure of over $500,000, which was entirely covered by the board. This reflects a strong commitment to ensuring that students have access to nutritious meals, allowing them to concentrate on their education rather than their next meal.
The importance of free meals for students’ focus on learning was underscored by Superintendent Dr. Dana Ayers. The need for such programs has come into sharp focus as statistics reveal increasing rates of food insecurity. In Jackson County, the food insecurity rate stands at 17.1%, significantly higher than the state’s average of 13.2%. Nearby Josephine County has an even higher rate of 19.3%. This troubling statistic highlights the necessity for sustained support for families struggling to meet their nutritional needs.
Addressing Hunger Through Likewise Initiatives
In addition to JCPS’s efforts, Asheville City Schools have announced a similar initiative to provide free meals to all students, utilizing the Community Eligibility Provision. This comes as part of a broader movement to address child hunger, which tends to worsen during summer months when children are not in school and depend more heavily on food banks.
Summer EBT Program
To further support families over the summer, Oregon’s Summer EBT program provides $120 to eligible children. Eligibility includes families receiving SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid, as well as children in foster care or those experiencing homelessness. Approximately 78% of schools in Jackson County qualify to offer free meals due to the income levels of their students, assuring automatic qualification for Summer EBT funds.
Community Response and School Roles
Community groups have emphasized the critical need for programs like Summer EBT and school meal initiatives to tackle ongoing food insecurity challenges. Schools play a crucial role as resources for food security, particularly in rural regions where access to food may be limited.
Several other districts, including Jackson Public Schools and Clinton Public School District, are initiating summer meal programs, providing free meals from various locations to ensure children in these communities remain nourished during the summer break. Starting in early June, the Seamless Summer Meal Program will offer breakfasts and lunches for children up to age 18.
Conclusion
The continuation of free meal programs across Jackson County and surrounding areas signifies a comprehensive community effort aimed at mitigating food insecurity challenges faced by families. These initiatives are not only about feeding children but also ensuring that their learning and development are not hindered by hunger.
FAQ
What meals will be provided for free?
Jackson County Public Schools will provide two free meals a day, including breakfast and lunch.
Who is eligible for the free meal program?
All students enrolled in Jackson County Public Schools are eligible, along with those at Western Carolina University’s Catamount School.
How is the program funded?
The program is funded by allocations approved by the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, which covered over $500,000 last year.
What additional programs are available to address food insecurity in summer?
Oregon’s Summer EBT program provides funds to eligible families, and other districts are initiating summer meal programs as well.
Key Features of the Meal Programs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mealtime Coverage | Two meals a day: Breakfast and Lunch |
| Eligibility | All students in JCPS and Western Carolina University’s Catamount School |
| Funding Source | Jackson County Board of Commissioners |
| Cost of Last Year’s Program | Over $500,000 |
| Additional Support | Summer EBT funds for eligible families |
| Community Initiatives | Other districts offering summer meal programs |
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UNCA Offers Free In-State Tuition for Students Affected by Hurricane Helene
Asheville Opens Helene Resource Center for Storm Recovery
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Free School Meals Continue in Jackson County
- KDRV: Summer EBT Returns for Second Year
- WAPT: Summer Feeding Programs Begin
- WAAYTV: Jackson County Free Summer Meals Program
- MLive: Free Christmas Meals in Jackson County
- Wikipedia: Food Insecurity
- Google Search: Summer EBT Program
- Google Scholar: Food Security Programs
- Google News: Jackson County School Meals
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