FUSD free breakfast and lunch program proves successful

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A program to provide free breakfast and lunch to all Fresno Unified School District students is proving to be a success.

The lunchroom at Edison Computech Middle School is bustling with students eating breakfast. What used to be a rare sight is now the norm at the school.

Joslyn Marra said, "When I came here, me and my friends were like 'oh my gosh I didn't eat breakfast.' so we came in and the food was actually really good."

Students like Joslyn are taking advantage of the free meal program in Fresno Unified, which was made possible by a federally funded provision. The program has been such a success, USDA Under Secretary Kevin Concannon came to see it in action.

"That allows schools to feed every child with no cost to that individual child or family," said Concannon. "The Fresno schools are leaders in California. They are the largest school system to have adopted community eligibility this first year."

Students happily ate their breakfast while Concannon got an inside look at the operations. Lunch cards are no longer needed, and school officials say the change has done away with stereotypes that sometimes come with receiving a free meal.

Edison Computech Middle School Vice Principal Andrew Scherrer added, "Fast forward to this year, no applications, many more students in lines, lines moving faster, no stigma, students are allowed to get their lunches, be well fed and learn."

Officials say the middle school participation has gone up substantially, with more than 1100 breakfasts a day and 2,000 extra lunches served daily compared to last year. Teens also have the option to pick and choose what they want, which has encouraged them to eat.

Eli Nourian said, "You want to make sure you have the right amount of nutrition so that you're ready for the day, ready to learn, and you have enough energy just to make it through the day."

Another benefit, it's now cool to eat and hang out in the lunchroom.