Community Eligibility Provision: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)? Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) was created as part of the USDA’s National School Lunch Program. It allows schools with high eligibility for free and reduced-price meals 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 guideline for reimbursable meals. This does not include milk only sales or extra a la carte sales.

Why am I being asked to complete the CEP Household Income 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 needed to determine eligibility. However, the Department of Education has historically used the number of eligible students to determine the amount of state aid for school districts, among other things. 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. The CEP Household Income Form and, if applicable, Fee Waiver Benefits Form are important for all CEP families to complete and return to school.

I have more than one child – do I need to fill out more than one form? One (1) form is needed if all your children attend a CEP school. See the following question if you have children attending both CEP and non-CEP schools.

Will all of my children receive free meals (even in different schools)? Only the CEP schools will provide a no-cost reimbursable breakfast and lunch to all students. If you have a child in a school that is not participating in the CEP program, that child will only receive free or reduced-price meals if you are eligible per the requirements of the National School Lunch Program. A free and reduced-price meals application is required to determine eligibility. The free and reduced-price meals application will be mailed with registration packets and available at school offices and the Food and Nutrition Services office.

What happens if I refuse to fill out the CEP Household Income Form? If households fail to complete the CEP Household Income 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 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 meals application.

What if my child changes schools? Your child is eligible for no-cost meals at the school where he/she is currently enrolled. If he/she eats meals at or transfers to a non-CEP school during the 2016-2017 school year, you may be responsible for meal charges.

What will happen to my child’s meal account? Meal accounts that have money may be transferred to a sibling’s account or money may be refunded. Money can also stay on the account for additional a la carte items served at schools. All meal accounts with a negative balance will remain on the account until fully paid. Contact the Food and Nutrition Services office at 563/552-3225 or e-mail food@dbqschools.org inquire about your student’s account.

Who should I contact with questions about the CEP Household Income and Fee Waiver Benefits Forms or the CEP program? All questions should first be directed to your child’s school office. They can direct you to the appropriate point of contact within the district.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider of USDA Child Nutrition Programs.