LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It's National School Lunch week, and Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has a lot to celebrate.
The district said they've seen a spike in the number of students participating in their breakfast and lunch program.
Terina Edington with Nutrition Services credits the jump to the community eligibility program's expansion.
"The lunch participation, average daily participation has increased by 37% and that is wonderful," she said.
Since August, all JCPS students are guaranteed free breakfast and lunch everyday.
At Klondike Lane Elementary School, Principal Mark Boyer said the program has improved student success and removed the stigma from free meals.
While free lunch also takes the burden off of parent, some are concerned about the amount of food their children are receiving.
On Wednesday, WHAS11 News took their concerns to Edington.
WHAS11 News asked if it was due to a shortage or shipment.
"We did not anticipate the increase in participation, so unfortunately the first couple of weeks we ran out of a few of the students favorite," Edington said. "We did substitute, but we always hate to disappoint our students."
Since then, she said the district ramped up food orders and haven't received reports from parents.
Moving forward, she said they're working toward increasing student interest and ensuring their needs are met.
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