On Thursday, Nash County parents received some welcome financial news with the announcement that all students in need will receive free breakfast and lunch this coming school year. The school system highlighted that the free meals are made possible by the Community Eligibility Provision Program.

In a significant move to combat food insecurity and support student well-being, all students at Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools in Nash County will receive breakfast and lunch at no charge this school year. This initiative, already in place in Edgecombe County Schools, marks a unified effort within the region to ensure that no child goes hungry during the school day.

The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a federal program that allows schools with a high percentage of students who are directly certified (DC) for free meals to offer breakfast and lunch at no cost to all students. Direct Certification is determined by a student’s participation in federal assistance programs such as Food Stamps, Federal Medicaid, and others. With the inclusion of Medicaid-eligible students this year, all Nash County Public Schools have qualified for CEP.

"We are glad to be able to provide meals at no cost to all our students through the CEP program,” said Angie Miller, Executive Director of Child Nutrition for Nash County Schools (ABC 11). “Ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals is a fundamental part of our commitment to their overall well-being and academic success.”

Dr. LaShawnda Washington, Chair of the NCPS Board of Education, emphasized the broader impact of the program. “Food scarcity is real, and this initiative not only helps alleviate hunger but also improves students’ ability to focus and learn,” she said (NCPS). “By providing these meals, we are investing in the future of our children and our community.”

Under the CEP program, schools can be qualified for up to five years, ensuring long-term benefits for students and families. In addition to the free meals, students and adults will be able to purchase snacks and à la carte items, offering flexibility and additional nutrition options.

The implementation of the CEP program in Nash County has been met with enthusiasm from parents and community members alike. Many see it as a vital step in supporting the health and academic success of all students, regardless of their economic background.

For more information on the CEP program and its benefits to the community, visit the Nash County Public Schools website at www.ncpschools.net.