The Wichita school district isn’t participating this year in a new federal program that aims to reduce the stigma of applying for low-cost meals by offering free meals to all students regardless of family income.

Officials in the Wichita school district say the district doesn’t plan to apply for the Community Eligibility Provision, a U.S. Department of Agriculture program designed to combat child hunger. At participating schools, all children would be able to eat breakfast and lunch at no cost.

Cheryl Johnson, child nutrition and wellness director for the Kansas Department of Education, says a handful of districts, including Topeka, have so far said they plan participate.

Wichita school district spokeswoman Susan Arensman told The Wichita Eagle the district may apply next year.