Transitioning to No-Cost Meal Programs

Beginning in the 2014-2015 school year, high-poverty schools and school districts became eligible to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). CEP allows these schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications. Since CEP’s introduction, thousands of school districts across the U.S. have transitioned some or all of their schools to the program, helping reduce student food insecurity.