Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a non-pricing meal service option for schools and school districts in low-income areas. CEP allows the nation’s highest poverty schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications. Instead, schools that adopt CEP are reimbursed using a formula based on the percentage of students categorically 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).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)?
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a federal program that allows schools in high poverty areas to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students.
If my child attends a CEP site, can they purchase a la carte snack items or a second meal?
Yes. A la carte snack items will still be available for purchase. These items meet the USDA Smart Snack in Schools nutrition regulations. Additional meals may also be purchased.
If my child transfers from a school participating in the CEP program to a non-CEP school, are they still free?
No. The student will be able to receive meals at no charge for 10 days after transferring to give the family an opportunity to complete a Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application (link to application), but after the 10 days, the student will then need to pay full price for lunch until an application is processed and approved.(link to Free and reduced FAQ.)
Where do I find the breakfast and lunch menu for my child’s school?
Check out our exciting menu offerings.
Are CEP meals the same as meals being served to the rest of the district?
Yes, check out our exciting menu offerings.
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. If your child is attending a Non-CEP site, NOT Directly Certified, and you feel you meet the poverty guidelines for-household size and income please feel free to complete an application. Link to the application.
Who do I contact if I have a question or need help completing a free/reduced application?
For assistance, please reach out to Food & Nutrition Services on Lets Talk School Meals or at 813-794-2439. The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. Link to Free and Reduced FAQ.
How does a school qualify for CEP ?
The USDA sets guidelines for CEP based on the number of students at each school who live near or below the poverty line. The USDA will reimburse the district for meals served at qualifying schools. Extending the program to additional schools would require that expenses be covered by the district.
Why isn’t my school included in CEP?
Schools that have not been designated as CEP have fewer students living near or below the poverty line. The district cannot cover the expense of offering meals at all schools at no cost. Families with students at schools that have not been designated as CEP are encouraged to complete an application available at (link to application) Those students who meet the income guidelines will be served meals at the approved free or reduced price.
If my child attends a CEP site, do I need to complete a free and reduced meal application?
No, if your child is enrolled at a CEP site, they will automatically be eligible to receive one free breakfast and lunch per day.
If my child attends a non-CEP site, do I need to complete a free and reduced meal application?
If your child is attending a Non-CEP site, NOT Directly Certified, and you feel you meet the poverty guidelines for-household size and income please feel free to complete an application. Link to the application.
If my child attends a non-CEP site, how do I complete a free and reduced meal application?
Link to application website. Link to Free and Reduced FAQ.
How do I request a refund?
Please complete the request form.
How do I put money in my child’s meal account?
There are several ways you can ensure your child has money in their meal account:
Send your student with cash or check to give to the café cashier.
Place money via our online platform myschoolbucks.com.
We also accept tap pay and credit cards at middle and high school cashier terminals.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Food and Nutrition accepts cash, check, credit cards, and tap pay.
How do I find out if my child’s meal account has a previous balance?
Finance team please complete this answer.
What are the meal prices for the 2025-2026 school year?
To view meal prices for the 2025-2026 school year please visit the Food & Nutrition Department website.
What is a complete meal?
The Child Nutrition Program is a federal program that regulates what determines a complete meal. To receive a meal at the advertised meal prices and/or based on your eligibility for free or reduced, the students must select a complete meal. Details of what food group requirements make a complete meal can be found on our website. Students who do not select a complete meal will be charged a la carte pricing.