Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)

What is it?

The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a simplified way to serve all students breakfast and lunch at no charge. CEP is a 4-year reimbursement option for eligible schools and districts
participating in both the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program that wish to offer free school meals to all children in high poverty schools without collecting free or
reduced price meal applications.

Why is it important?

One of the leading causes of why children do not participate in school meal programs is the stigma associated with kids that need the “free” breakfast or lunch. When free meals are
served to all students, regardless of a family’s socioeconomic status, stigma is reduced. Schools typically see a 10-20% increase in breakfast participation within the first year of
implementing CEP, meaning fewer kids are going hungry. Plus, higher participation and reimbursement rates lead to significantly higher reimbursement revenue for the school.

Who is eligible?

Schools and districts that have at least 40% of students “identified” as participating in programs like FoodShare, W-2, FDPIR, foster students, or medicaid. The schools must also participate in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.