(KTEN) — The Sherman and Denison school districts are participating in the Community Eligibility Provision program, providing free breakfast and lunch for all students at designated schools, regardless of financial standing.

To participate, a district must have a certain percentage of students who are economically disadvantaged. Once the district passes that threshold, they can start serving free meals.

"Last year we had this program with our elementary school students; now, we qualify at a greater level,"  said Sherman Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Tyson Bennett. "We qualify so that all of our students across our district are provided with free breakfast and free lunch."

Bennett said 78 percent of students in the SISD were considered economically disadvantaged in the 2022-23 school year. Previously, the district only offered free meals at their elementary schools.

For the 2023-24 school year, SISD is expanding the program to include Piner Middle School, Sherman Middle School, and Sherman High School.

The plan is meant to reduce the burden on families trying to pay for their students' meals. SISD says a family that did not already qualify for free or reduced lunch can save up to $800 per student during the school year.

The Denison ISD is participating in the program as well, offering free meals at their elementary and intermediate campuses.