Hundreds of Fauquier County students will receive free breakfast and lunch during the 2026–27 school year thanks to a $309,906.77 grant from the PATH Foundation supporting nutrition programs at three elementary schools.

At its June 8 meeting, the Fauquier County School Board accepted the PATH Foundation’s donation, which will fund participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) at Mary Walter Elementary School, Claude Thompson Elementary School, and H.M. Pearson Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year. The one-year grant enables Fauquier County Public Schools (FCPS) to expand access to the federal program without impacting the division’s operating budget.

CEP allows qualifying schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students without requiring families to complete meal applications. Eligibility is based on a school's Identified Student Percentage, which reflects the number of students directly certified for meal benefits through programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

“Access to nutritious meals helps students arrive in the classroom ready to learn, participate, and succeed,” said Sue Ann Fox, director of school nutrition for FCPS. “We are grateful to the PATH Foundation for its investment in the well‑being of our students and families.”

While CEP provides federal reimbursement for meals served, reimbursement does not always cover the full cost of the program. The PATH Foundation's support bridges that gap for the 2026-27 school year, allowing FCPS to offer free meals at the three participating schools at no cost to families and without additional local funding.

All students attending Mary Walter Elementary School, Claude Thompson Elementary School and H.M. Pearson Elementary School will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost during the 2026-27 school year, regardless of household income. Families at these schools will not need to submit meal applications. Additional information will be shared with families before the start of the school year.

Students attending other FCPS schools may still qualify for free or reduced‑price meals based on household income and family size. Meal benefit applications will be available through schools, the School Nutrition Department, and the FCPS website prior to the start of the school year.