Several school districts in the Roanoke Valley are offering programs covering meals, clothing, and school supplies at no cost to families, according to reporting by WSLS 10. Many residents may not be aware these resources exist ahead of the upcoming school year.
Roanoke City Public Schools, Salem City Schools, and Roanoke County Public Schools all participate in meal assistance programs through the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows qualifying schools to serve free breakfasts and lunches to every student without requiring individual household applications.
Which Schools Get Free Meals Automatically
Roanoke City students are automatically enrolled for free meals across the district. In Salem City, two schools qualify under the CEP. Roanoke County has nine schools enrolled, according to district nutrition information: Burlington Elementary, Glen Cove Elementary, Herman L. Horn Elementary, Mount Pleasant Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Northside High, Northside Middle, W.E. Cundiff Elementary, and William Byrd Middle.
For Roanoke County students at non-CEP schools, meal applications are available online through School Café beginning in late July, or on paper at any school from the first day of class. Only one application per household is required, and it must be renewed annually. Standard lunch prices at non-CEP Roanoke County schools run $3.35 for students and $5.05 for adults.
Salem’s ‘The Boutique’ Provides Clothing and Supplies
Salem City Schools runs a program called The Boutique, which has expanded well beyond a basic clothing closet. WSLS 10 reported that students can select from clothing, shoes, school supplies, and formal attire at no charge…