PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (AP) — Education officials say starting with the first of day school, all students in Somerset County will receive free breakfast and lunch, regardless of household income.

The Board of Education says 72 percent of students already qualified for free or reduced-price meals. That statistic helped the county qualify for the Community Eligibility Provision.

Schools spokesman Leo Lawson tells The Daily Times of Salisbury (http://delmarvane.ws/1oF4l9u) that the program puts students on an equal playing field and removes the stigma of poverty.

Lawson pointed out the program will be especially helpful to families in Crisfield, where Superstorm Sandy destroyed homes and businesses.

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Information from: The Daily Times of Salisbury, Md., http://www.delmarvanow.com/

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