Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a universal meal plan under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) that permits eligible districts and schools to provide meal service to all students at no charge, regardless of economic status. (Section 104a of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act)
To be eligible to participate, a district, school, or groups of schools from the same district must have a directly certified identified student percentage of at least 40% by April 1, prior to the first year of implementation. Each school does not have to meet the 40% threshold individually if enrolling a district or groups of school within a district; however, the average directly certified identified student percentage must be at least 40%.
CEP Information
- About CEP from the USDA
- Districts and Schools Eligible to Participate in CEP
- USDA Guidance and Q&A
- Title I Guidance for Schools Electing Community Eligibility (March 2015)
- E-Rate Guidance for Schools Electing CEP (November 2014)