Special to the NEWS
South Texas Independent School District (STISD) officials recently announced that all students districtwide will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2026-2027 school year, marking the district’s third year in the Community Eligibility Program (CEP).
As of the first day of school, students have received breakfast in their first-period classrooms before instruction begins.
Parents/guardians must complete an Income Survey as part of their electronic registration packet in Skyward. However, a district press release says all STISD students will qualify for free meals.
STISD is comprised of seven schools, including a campus in San Benito. District campuses include: South Texas ISD Health Professions (Health Professions) in Mercedes; South Texas ISD Medical Professions (Medical Professions) in Olmito; South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy (Preparatory Academy) in Edinburg; South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy (Rising Scholars) in San Benito; South Texas ISD Science Academy (Science Academy) in Mercedes; South Texas ISD World Scholars (World Scholars) in Edinburg; and South Texas ISD Virtual Academy, where students learn 100 percent online.
For more information, contact the district’s child nutrition department at (956) 514-4230.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, as well as institutions participating in or administering USDA programs, are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by the USDA.
Persons with disabilities who need alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or American Sign Language) should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits.
Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact USDA via the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Program information may also be available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027), available online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office, or write a letter to USDA that includes all information requested on the form.
To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Completed form or letter should be submitted to the USDA by — mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.