Help us maintain and increase our State Aid for our student programs like:
- After School Programs &
- Free Breakfast and Lunch
Dear Parents,
As a district we wanted to make you aware of our free breakfast and lunch program known as Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). The following information will explain the importance of having accurate data as it determines our eligibility for state aid and programs and services available for our district. We ask that you complete the form included to ensure the district has accurate information.
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
It is the goal of School Food and Nutrition Services to feed all E-K students a nutritious and well-balanced meal. Research has shown that students who eat breakfast and lunch on a daily basis, increase their attendance, improve their behavior and perform better in school.
Edwards-Knox Central School District has been participating in the US Department of Agriculture's Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). With this program, all students are able to eat a reimbursable breakfast and lunch for FREE. The meals will be mostly funded through the USDA's Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Participation is automatic and families are not required to fill out any forms or applications; however, we request that you continue to fill out the household income eligibility/free and reduced school meals form.
What is the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)? Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) was created as part of the USDA's National School Lunch Program. CEP eligibility is based on directly certified students (SNAP, Medicaid) within the district. It allows the district to provide a no-cost reimbursable lunch and breakfast for all students in the school regardless of income.
Will my child receive free or reduced-price meals even if we aren’t income eligible? All students in the CEP school will receive a no-cost reimbursable lunch and breakfast meal regardless of income. The meal must meet the federal guidelines for reimbursable meals. This does not include milk only sales, extra entrees, or a la carte sales.
Why am I being asked to complete the CEP Household Income Data Collection Form and Fee Waiver Benefits Forms? The CEP program allows schools to provide no-cost reimbursable meals to all students regardless of income; therefore, free and reduced-price meals applications are no longer required to determine eligibility. However, the Department of Education uses the number of eligible students to determine the amount of state aid for school districts, among other funding sources. A school with more eligible students generally will receive more state aid. The form also includes a section for waiving or reducing certain allowable fees within the district.
I have more than one child – do I need to fill out more than one form? Only one (1) form is needed per household, regardless of the number of children in the home.
What happens if I refuse to fill out the CEP Household Income Data Collection Form? If households fail to complete the CEP Household Income Data Collection Form, the delivery of programs and services in your child’s school may be impacted; therefore, it is very important that every household accurately completes the form.
Will the district share my information? The information collected on the CEP Household Income Data Form and Fee Waiver Benefits Forms will be protected using the same protocol as the information collected through the National School Lunch Program’s free and reduced-price meal application.
Who should I contact with questions about the CEP Household Income Data Form and Fee Waiver Benefits Forms or the CEP program? All questions should first be directed to the Director of Food and Nutrition Services, Randy Collins at rcollins@ekcsk12.org or 315-562-8130 Ext. 25507.
Please click here to print and complete the CEP form. All forms can be given to the main office or directed to the attention of Randy Collins.
