All Birmingham City Schools students now receive free breakfast and lunch regardless of their family's income, the school system announced on Monday.

The free meals are made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision. This program allows school districts in the nation's highest poverty areas to provide free meals to all students without collecting household applications.

According to Birmingham City Schools, the free breakfast and lunch program started at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year.

Eligibility for participation is determined by information from other programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance Program for Needy Families (TANF).

Students, however, don't have to apply for the program.

"Nutrition plays a major role in the healthy growth and development of students, and we want to ensure that every child has access to a healthy breakfast and lunch each day," said Michelle Sailes, Director of Child Nutrition for BCS. "When students are fed and are receiving proper nutrition, they are able to focus in school which leads to better overall academic performance."

Faculty and guest meals will be charged at normal price, according to the school system. Students will also have the option to purchase a la carte items.