What is CEP?

  • What is the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program?
    CEP is a USDA program that allows school districts to provide free breakfast and lunch to ALL students regardless of their economic status at schools that qualify for the program.

    How does a campus qualify for CEP?
    The USDA guidelines for CEP are based on the number of students at each school who are living near or below the poverty line which includes those students who receive benefits from another assistance program.   The USDA will reimburse for meals served at qualifying schools.   Extending the program to additional schools would require that expenses be covered by the district.

    When does the program start?
    Participating campuses will offer free breakfast and lunch starting the first day of school in the 2024-2025 school year.

    How long will the program be offered at qualifying campuses?
    The CEP program for qualifying campuses will be offered for four years beginning the 2024-2025 school year.

    If I have other students in the household that are not enrolled in a CEP school, will they receive free meals also?
    No, only those students enrolled in participating schools receive free meals.  A free/reduced application will need to be completed for the students in the household that attend non-CEP schools. The application can be completed online at www.schoolcafe.com or a paper application is available at the Child Nutrition office located at 1007 Fulton Street, Denton.  

    What should I do if my student has a balance on their meal account?
    The funds on your student’s account may be used to purchase healthy ala carte snacks or an additional entrée or food item.   Funds on meal accounts will roll over year to year, so you do not need to worry about losing the money on their account.  If you would like to request a refund, please visit the Child Nutrition page on the district website: www.dentonisd.org to complete the Student Account Refund form.

    Are students allowed more than one meal?
    One free complete breakfast and one lunch will be provided daily to each student at the participating campuses.  Additional meals may be purchased.

    What if my student only wants the entrée or just one item for breakfast or lunch?
    Students at participating campuses must take a complete meal to receive it a no cost. If a student chooses to take only one or items, they must pay a la carte pricing for those items.

    Will ala carte items such as ice cream be offered at participating campuses?
    Yes, all participating campuses will offer ala carte items such ice cream, chips, fresh baked cookies, juices, etc.  There is an additional cost for all ala carte items.

    If a student brings lunch from home, is milk provided at no cost?
    Only complete meals are offered at no cost.  The meal must include a fruit or a vegetable and two other items.  If a student only wants milk, they will need to purchase that for $.75.

    Are CEP meals the same as meals being served at to the rest of the district?
    Yes, all meals served at the participating campuses are the same as non-CEP schools.

    Who do I contact if I have a question or need help completing a free/reduced application?
    For immediate assistance, please contact the Child Nutrition office, 940-369-0270 or by stopping by at 1007 Fulton Street.   The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.