DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County School District is expanding its involvement in a free breakfast and lunch program for students this year.
DCSD's involvement in the USDA Community Eligibility Program (CEP) is expanding from 75 schools to a total 105, according to a press release.
CEP allows schools and districts in high-poverty areas to serve free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students, without collecting household applications.
CEP schools are reimbursed using a formula based on the percentage of students eligible for free meals based on their participation in other specific means-tested programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), according to the release.
“We are excited to expand the number of DeKalb County School District CEP programs from 75 to 105,” Dr. Connie Walker, Executive Director of DCSD School Nutrition Services, said in the release. “Programs that support our students and community are essential to academic success."
Families of students whose schools does not participate in CEP may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals by application.
