Fayette County Public Schools says free and reduced lunches not impacted by federal shutdown

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Fayette County Public Schools says free and reduced-price meal services will continue without interruption despite the ongoing federal government shutdown.

In a statement released Thursday, FCPS said students who qualify for free or reduced meals will still receive this essential service, even amid federal funding uncertainty.

District officials also encouraged families experiencing a temporary drop in income or difficulty affording food to apply for meal assistance through their schools.

The release notes that while school meal programs remain stable, the uncertainty surrounding federal aid programs like SNAP is putting additional strain on local food banks and charities. FCPS says the best way the public can help is by donating food, funds, or volunteer time to community partners such as God’s Pantry, FEED Lexington, and other organizations listed at go.fcps.net/resources.

The district added that several FCPS schools have on-site food pantries — with the largest located at Bryan Station and Lafayette High Schools — and rely heavily on community partners to maintain supply and logistics. Anyone wishing to support a specific school pantry is encouraged to contact that school’s Family Resource or Youth Services Center coordinator to coordinate needs and drop-offs.

For the latest updates and a full list of available resources, FCPS urges families to visit go.fcps.net/resources.