CEP FAQ

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.

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.

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

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

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.  

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 complete the Student Account Refund form.

One free complete breakfast and one lunch will be provided daily to each student at the participating campuses. Additional meals may be purchased.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, all meals served at the participating campuses are the same as non-CEP schools.

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.