Polk County Schools has experienced a dramatic increase in student meal participation following a $120,000 grant from the Dogwood Health Trust that enabled free meals for all students during the 2024-25 school year.
Thanks to the grant and the support of the Polk County Board of Education, the district expanded its Community Eligibility Provision program from elementary schools only to include all middle and high school students. The expansion resulted in a nearly 75 percent increase in meal uptake during the first year, far exceeding initial projections of 20-25 percent.
The nutrition department now provides approximately 130,000 breakfasts, 265,000 lunches and 30,000 snacks annually. Officials estimate more than 150,000 additional meals have been served since the expansion.
“One of the clearest indicators of success has been the sharp increase in student participation,” said George Alley, Grants and Community Partnerships Coordinator for Polk County Schools. “This extraordinary growth demonstrates the strong demand and real need for this program in our community.”
School staff have reported improved student behavior, increased classroom attention and fewer nurse visits related to hunger or fatigue, particularly during morning hours. Families have expressed gratitude for relief from daily meal costs during a period of rising inflation and economic challenges.
The grant funding helped offset costs not covered by federal reimbursement rates, allowing the district to maintain meal quality and program sustainability without sacrificing nutrition standards.
“Most importantly, this program has helped us eliminate the stigma often associated with free or reduced lunch programs,” Alley said. “All students eat together, regardless of income level, which supports a more inclusive and equitable school environment.”
The district continues collecting participation data and monitoring student health indicators as it evaluates the program’s long-term impact.
