SPRING, Texas – All students in Spring Independent School District will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2026-27 school year, the district announced.
Spring ISD is part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The district serves an average of 43,000 meals a day.
“If a kid can just come to school and be a kid, and not have to worry about their bellies, they can focus on their books,” said Dr. Dawn Rogers, associate principal at Rickey C. Bailey Middle School.
Rogers speaks from experience — both as an educator and as a parent. Her seventh-grade daughter attends Bailey Middle School.
“They’re sleeping longer hours and they’re waking up cranky, and all they want to do is eat. So, this is definitely a great opportunity for students, especially students like mine, who’s also an athlete,” Rogers said.
Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar echoed that sentiment, saying nutrition and academics go hand in hand.
“Nutrition is academics. So, making sure that every single child is fed, both morning and afternoon, really leads to a quality education in the classroom,” Cuellar said.
Simpler process for families
Accessibility is a key part of the program. In previous years, parents were required to fill out income surveys to qualify for free meals — paperwork families will not have to deal with this year.
“A big part of that too is how we simplify the process, you know, for all of our families. Without the hassle of you know a very rigorous process of submittal of additional paperwork,” Cuellar said.
The district will not collect meal applications to determine whether students qualify for free, reduced-price or paid meals. All students will be offered breakfast and lunch at no cost every school day.
Rogers added that removing the application process also helps eliminate a long-standing stigma.
“There used to be a stigma with getting free or reduced lunch, but now, hey, we all want to eat,” Rogers said.
“The need for a healthy meal for your child. I think it transcends all economic, socioeconomic lines,” she added.
