DAVIESS COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE FREE MEALS FOR ALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Owensboro, KY- Today, at a special called board luncheon the Daviess County Board of Education approved the pilot of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for all elementary schools. With this approval and the participation of Daviess County Public Schools, students at all elementary schools will receive free breakfast and lunch meals for the 2023-2024 school year to promote student well-being; to enhance student nutrition; and to support success for the whole child.
The CEP pilot program is designed to eliminate the barriers that prevent many students from accessing nutritious meals. Through this provision, all elementary school students in Daviess County Public Schools will have access to free breakfast and lunch, regardless of their income eligibility. This initiative will not only foster a healthier and more inclusive learning environment, but it will also alleviate financial strain for families and reduce any stigma associated with receiving free or reduced-price meals.
By providing meals at no cost, the CEP pilot program ensures that every child can start their day with a nutritious breakfast and lunch while remaining nourished throughout the day, supporting their cognitive and physical development. This program aims to enhance the overall well-being and academic performance of students in DCPS.
Superintendent Matt Robbins expressed his excitement about the district’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment, stating, “We are thrilled to launch the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) pilot program in our elementary schools. By providing free breakfast and lunch to all students, we are not only removing financial barriers but also fostering a sense of belonging and equity among our students. This initiative will greatly impact their health, well-being, and provide pathways to enhance student learning.”
The implementation of the CEP pilot program was made possible through the collaboration between Daviess County Public Schools, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) , and the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). The USDA administers this program under the National School Lunch Program. A students categorically eligible for free meals based on their participation in other specific means-tested programs, according to the USDA website, “schools/ school districts that adopt CEP are reimbursed using a formula based on the percentage of such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).”
The CEP pilot program will be rolled out at the beginning of the upcoming 2023-24 academic year and will initially cover all elementary schools within Daviess County Public Schools. The district plans to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and explore opportunities for expansion in the near future to include DCPS middle and high schools in the CEP program.