USDA increases access to free school meals

We are excited to announce a significant update in the Child Nutrition Programs that will positively impact schools across the country.  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it is giving an estimated 3,000 more school districts in high-need areas the option to serve breakfast and lunch to all students at no cost, by expanding the availability of the Community Eligibility Provision, commonly known as CEP.

 On September 26, 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a final rule in the Federal Register that marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance access to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This important rule aims to increase options for schools and foster better nutrition for students by lowering the minimum identified student percentage (ISP) participation threshold from 40 percent to 25 percent.

 The key highlights of this final rule are as follows:

 1. Lowering the ISP Threshold: With the new rule in effect, schools with an ISP of 25 percent or higher will now have the opportunity to participate in CEP. This reduction in the participation threshold will enable more high-need schools to elect CEP, offering all students access to nutritious school meals at no cost when it is financially viable for them to do so.

2. Improved Access to Healthy School Meals: By expanding access to CEP, the USDA is committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their economic circumstances, have access to healthy and nourishing meals. This change will be instrumental in reducing food insecurity among students and promoting their overall well-being.

 3. Financial Flexibility: Schools will now have greater flexibility in determining the financial viability of participating in CEP. This means that more schools can choose this option without compromising their fiscal responsibility, ultimately benefiting both students and the institution.

 We believe that this final rule will have a profound impact on schools, students, and their communities. It aligns with our commitment to improving child nutrition programs, reducing hunger, and enhancing the overall educational experience for students.

 We encourage you to review the complete text of the final rule published in the Federal Register for detailed information and guidance on the implementation of these changes. 

For more information or questions, contact: pat@feedinglouisiana.org