HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Houston County school officials are working hard to ensure students don’t go hungry amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.

“It’s more than feeding kids. It’s about creating an environment where students can be successful," said Meredith Potter, director of school nutrition.

Only 31 of the district's 40 sites are admitted into the Community Eligibility Provision program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and provides free breakfast and lunch for all students.

Potter says that nine schools in the district do not qualify for the program, so parents at those schools must apply individually based on income eligibility.

The district says since the shutdown they have seen a significant rise in applications for the free meal assistance progra

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