Escambia School officials on Aug. 13 announced that 30 local schools will be eligible for a program that will free meals for all the students in their halls.

These schools will participate in the federal Community Eligibility Provision program which will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students at each of those schools, beginning on the first day of school, Aug. 17.

Bellview, Brentwood, C.A. Weis, Ensley, Ferry Pass, Global Learning Academy, Holm, Jim Allen, Lincoln Park, Longleaf, Montclair, Myrtle Grove, Navy Point, Oakcrest, Pleasant Grove, O.J. Semmes, Sherwood, Warrington, and West Pensacola elementary schools are participating.

Bellview, Warrington, Woodham, and Workman middle schools and Pine Forest High School also are participating. So are Judy Andrews, McMillian PreK Center, Escambia Westgate Center, Camelot, Escambia Charter, and Jacqueline Harris Preparatory Academy.

The CEP provision means that parents at these schools are not required to submit an application for the free and reduced lunch program. But siblings attending schools not on the CEP list will need to reapply to maintain status.

The application will ask for a list of family members and parents should still include all names, because the number of people in a household can affect eligibility.

If your student does not attend one of the CEP sites, you may complete a Family Meal Benefits Application online at http://mealapp.escambia.k12.fl.us/

There is a 30 day grace period where students who were eligible last year will maintain their same meal status but, parents should try to get their new application in as soon as possible.