As kids prepare to head back to school, we are pleased to announce that we will continue to operate the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Therefore, all students will still receive meals at no cost. This is important as school meal programs play a crucial role in ensuring kids get three meals a day and have the nutrition they need to thrive in and out of the classroom.
CEP is a federal program that allows qualifying schools to serve free breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost. Families no longer have to fill out a free or reduced price meal application, and all kids get to eat nutritious meals.
With inflation at a 40-year high and food and fuel prices soaring, many families are finding it harder to make ends meet. Luckily, school meal programs can play a big role in filling the gaps. They’re healthy–in fact, research shows that for many kids, the meals they eat at school are the most nutritionally balanced meals they get all day. They’re also convenient, and can save busy parents the work of having to prepare breakfast and lunch each day.
For more information, contact Lisa Arden, Monroe County School Nutrition Supervisor.