Overview
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a non-pricing meal service option for schools and school districts in low-income areas. CEP allows the nation’s highest poverty schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications. Instead, schools that adopt CEP are reimbursed using a formula based on the percentage of students categorically eligible for free meals based on their participation in other specific means-tested programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Eligibility Notice
CEP Eligibility Notice SY 2017-2018
CEP Eligibility Notice SY 2018-2019
CEP Eligibility Notice SY 2019-2020
CEP Eligibility Notice SY 2020-2021
CEP Eligibility Notice SY 2021-2022
CEP Eligibility Notice SY 2022-2023
Resources
C100 – Procedures for SFAs – USDA CEP Handbook & Guidance
C102 – Procedures for SFAs – CEP – Link to Webinar – Community Eligibility Basics (CEP)
C103 – Procedures for SFAs – CEP One Page Factsheet from USDA
C104 – Procedures for SFAs – CEP Basics
C105 – Procedures for SFAs – CEP – Link to Webinar – Admin Reviews for Schools and Districts
E601 – Prototype Sample for SFA – Household Notice for Free Meals CEP or P2 SY22-23
E601s – Prototype Sample for SFA – Household Notice for Free Meals CEP or P2 SY22-23 spanish
E602 – Prototype Sample for SFA – Media Release for Free Meals CEP or P2 SY22-23
E602s – Prototype Sample for SFA – Media Release for Free Meals CEP or P2 SY22-23 spanish
USDA Community Eligibility Program Q&A Memorandum
Annual Notification of CEP Eligibiliy Memo SY21-22