Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) meal plan. 

What is CEP?

CEP is a universal meal plan that permits eligible districts and schools to provide breakfast and lunch meals to all students at no charge regardless of economic status. The meals served are reimbursable, meaning the participating District will receive a monetary compensation from the Federal Government for each meal served to students.  In order to receive that reimbursement, the USDA guidelines and the "Offer versus Serve" (OVS) program must be followed.

Who can participate?

School districts must have a minimum identified student percentage of 40% based on enrollment. Identified students are those who are directly eligible for free school meals using methods other than a paper free and reduced student meal application. To see detailed criteria on what considers a student as "identified" see the State Webpage on CEP.

Parents... what does this mean for you and your child?

There are no free or reduced meal applications that you need to complete or keep track of. Your child has access to free nutritious breakfast and lunch everyday at school!

CEP Public Release