Get Ready to Apply for CEP to Provide Free School Meals to All Students

CEP Actions of the Week: As you consider CEP in the upcoming 2023-2024 school year,

• Review the CEP application as deadlines approach.
• Take a fresh look at grouping to maximize CEP in the upcoming school year.
• Start conversations with your school administrators about adopting CEP.

Review the CEP Application

The deadline to apply is quickly approaching! While the deadline to apply for CEP is August 31, 2023, it's important to note that 2022-2023 SY direct certification data is only available until July 15, 2023. While the deadline for schools to apply has been extended from June 30, schools must download the data (direct certification data) required for their CEP application before July 15th. Please note: after July 15, data required for the CEP application will no longer be available to schools.

• Download your 2022-2023 SY direct certification data. Applications for the upcoming school year must be based on enrollment data as of April 1, 2023 and 2022-23 direct certification data.
• Take a look at the CEP application. The application process is straightforward and consists of two parts. Review NYSED's resources to learn more.
  • CEP Application Instructions
  • CEP Application and Guidance
  • CEP State Subsidy Questions and Answers
• Questions about your application? Reach out to your CN program representative.

Strategic Grouping

Grouping allows schools to maximize CEP and expand access to free school meals. 

• Learn about grouping from USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Guidance: “The ISP for a group of schools is calculated by taking the sum of the identified students for the entire group of schools divided by the sum of the total student enrollment for the entire group of schools.” (pg 12). 
• Watch our latest webinar, “Maximize the New CEP State Subsidy with Strategic Grouping” to learn how to use MealsCount– a powerful grouping tool to help schools optimize CEP applications.

Building Buy-in for CEP with School Leadership 

We can help you communicate to your school leaders about how CEP supports broader educational goals. 

• *NEW RESOURCE* Use this presentation template to make a case for CEP in your district. Customize this resource with your district’s data to drive home your pitch for CEP.
• Watch our latest webinar, “Building Buy-in for CEP with School Leadership” and view the slides. 
• Additional resources: 
  • CEP Benefits Students, Families, and Schools
  • Talking points for CEP with School Admin
  • CEP Financial Considerations for School Business Officials

Catch up on the previous newsletters: 

• School Meals Support Students, Families and Schools: Learn How CEP Can Support Broader Educational Goals - June 23, 2023
• Apply for CEP to Provide Free School Meals to All Students in SY 2023-2024 - June 16, 2023

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