Is Your Child's School Offering Free Meals? Understanding (CEP)

WNC --  August 12, 2025: In these times of rising costs, ensuring your child has access to nutritious meals at school can be a significant concern for families.

There is a federal program called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) that can make a big difference.

CEP allows eligible schools and districts in high-poverty areas to provide free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students, without the need for individual household applications. This means if your child's school participates in CEP, they can receive healthy meals at no cost to you, regardless of your income.

What is CEP and How Does it Work?

Instead of relying on families to apply and qualify for free or reduced-price meals, CEP takes a different approach. A school or district can participate if a certain percentage of their students are already "directly certified" for free meals through programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or due to factors like homelessness or foster care. This is called the Identified Student Percentage (ISP), and the threshold to participate is currently 25%.

If a school meets the criteria, it can choose to offer free meals to all its students. The federal government then provides reimbursement to the school based on their ISP.

Why is CEP Important for Parents?

Free Meals for All: If your child attends a CEP school, they will receive both breakfast and lunch at no cost to you.

No Application Needed: You do not need to fill out any forms or meet any income requirements. Your child's eligibility is based on the school's overall participation in the program.

Reduced Stigma: By offering free meals to everyone, CEP helps eliminate any potential stigma associated with receiving free or reduced-price lunches.

Focus on Nutrition: This program helps ensure that all students have access to consistent, nutritious meals, which is crucial for their health, well-being, and academic success.

How Do Parents Know if Their School Has CEP?

Schools and districts that participate in CEP are required to inform families. Here's how you can find out if your child's school is offering free meals through CEP:

Look for a Notification: Schools typically send a letter or email to all families at the beginning of the school year specifically stating they are participating in CEP and that all students will receive free meals.

Check the School or District Website: This information is usually posted on the school district's and individual school's websites, often in sections related to "Child Nutrition" or "School Meals."

Keep an Eye on School Communications: Check school newsletters or social media channels for announcements about meal programs.

Contact the School Directly: If you haven't received any information, don't hesitate to call your child's school office or the school's food service department to inquire about CEP participation.

Key Takeaway: If your child attends a school participating in CEP, they will automatically receive free breakfast and lunch without any action required from your family. Stay informed by looking out for communications from your school and checking their website. Ensuring your child has access to nutritious meals is a shared community goal, and CEP is a valuable tool in achieving that.

WNCTimes

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