The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) meal service option that allows schools to offer breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students. CEP was authorized by the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA, Public Law 111-296; December 13, 2010).
Benefits for students:
- Increases access to nutritious school meals at no cost to students.
- Increases student participation.
- Improves the learning environment.
- Eliminates social stigma.
Benefits for households:
- Eliminates paperwork. No need to submit applications for students to receive free or reduced-price school meals.
-No meal charges.
Benefits for schools:
- Eases administrative burden and improves program efficiency.
- Eliminates unpaid meal balances.