Knox County, TN (WOKI) – Knox County Schools is encouraging families to apply now for free and reduced-price school meals ahead of the start of the 2026-27 school year on August 10.
The district announced that applications are now available for families whose children attend schools that are not part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program. Applications can be completed online through the LINQ Connect portal or submitted using a paper form.
Students in households receiving SNAP or Families First benefits automatically qualify for free meals. Other children may qualify for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch based on household income guidelines established by the federal government. District officials remind families that applications for free and reduced-price meals must be completed each year.
Knox County Schools will continue offering free breakfast and lunch to all students attending CEP schools during the upcoming school year. More than 60 schools across the district participate in the program, including Austin-East High School, Fulton High School, Central High School, South Doyle High School, Gibbs High School, Powell High School and many elementary and middle schools.
Students attending non-CEP schools, including Bearden High School, Farragut High School, Hardin Valley Academy, Halls High School, Karns High School and West High School, should submit an application if they wish to be considered for meal assistance.
School officials say all meals served through the nutrition program meet U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines for healthy school meals.
Parents and guardians with questions can contact the Knox County Schools Nutrition Department at 865-594-9563.
