All Students to Receive Meals at No Charge
The Lafayette Parish School System has opted for districtwide participation in the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program for the 2023-2024 school year. This decision allows all students to receive breakfast and lunch meals at no charge to families.
“As educators, we know that nutritious meals make a positive impact on the overall health and development of students. Participating in the CEP program allows us to offer well-balanced meals at no cost to students, which contributes to the student’s academic success in the classroom and reduces the financial burden for families,” states Interim Superintendent Francis Touchet.
Since its inception in 2014, the Community Eligibility Provision program has shown the most success and improvement in the areas of student meal participation and classroom readiness. As part of the program’s requirements, families will not be asked to complete a meal benefits application.
For more information on the USDA Community Eligibility Provision Program, visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/community-eligibility-provision.