CUMBERLAND COUNTY SCHOOLS TO CONTINUE FREE MEALS FOR ALL STUDENTS UNDER CEP PROGRAM
Families in Cumberland County can breathe a sigh of relief as the Cumberland County School Nutrition Program announced it will continue its participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2026-2027 school year.
Under this initiative, all enrolled students across every school in the district will continue to receive nutritious breakfasts and lunches completely free of charge. No action, fees, or meal applications are required from parents or guardians.
Key Details of the Program
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No Applications Needed: The CEP eliminates the traditional paperwork and meal application process entirely.
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USDA Guidelines: All meals served will continue to meet strict United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutritional standards for healthy school lunches and breakfasts.
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Maximized Learning Time: By cutting down on lunch line wait times, students gain more time to eat, while food service professionals can focus on meal preparation.
Authorized under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, the program aims to ensure that children in low-income areas come to class well-nourished and ready to learn.
For parents or guardians seeking additional information, contact Child Nutrition Program Director Ms. Kathy Hamby or Ms. Jennifer Byrge at 931-484-6722, or via email at [email protected] or [email protected].
