Healthy and Free: All Miami-Dade Students Get Breakfast and Lunch in 2025-2026
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has announced that all students will continue to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost for the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that every child has access to healthy and nutritious meals, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
The program follows the school board’s policy under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). By eliminating the financial burden of school meals, M-DCPS is helping students focus on what matters most: learning and academic success.
District officials emphasize that well-balanced meals play a key role in student performance. Studies consistently show that children who eat breakfast and lunch are more likely to perform better in school, have improved concentration, and develop healthier long-term habits. With more than 330,000 students enrolled, the program ensures that no child is left behind when it comes to daily nutrition.
Parents and guardians can rest assured that their children will continue to be served meals prepared according to federal nutrition standards. These standards are designed to promote overall health and combat issues such as childhood obesity, while still being mindful of cultural diversity in food options.
For additional information, families may contact the Department of Food and Nutrition at 7042 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33134-2703, or call 786-275-0426. Representatives are available to answer questions regarding the program and meal services.
In compliance with federal civil rights law and USDA regulations, M-DCPS reiterates that no student will face discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or in retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information is also available in languages other than English to ensure accessibility for Miami-Dade’s diverse community.
Additionally, individuals with disabilities who require alternative means of communication—such as Braille, large print, audiotape, or American Sign Language—may contact the responsible state or local agency that oversees the program. The USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 are also available to provide assistance.
By continuing this initiative for another year, Miami-Dade County Public Schools reaffirms its dedication to both equity and education. Providing free meals helps ease the financial stress for families while ensuring that students are nourished, energized, and ready to learn each day.
As the 2025-2026 school year approaches, M-DCPS encourages families to take advantage of this vital resource, which supports both the well-being and academic success of every student in the district.
