Community Eligibility Provision

We are pleased to inform you that our schools will be implementing a new provision available to schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

What does this mean for you and your child(ren)?

All enrolled students in our school district, regardless of income level, are eligible to receive a healthy school breakfast and school lunch at no charge each day. No further action is required of you. Your child(ren) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application.

The CEP is a new alternative to the traditional meal application process associated with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. CEP alleviates the burden on families by eliminating household applications, while helping schools reduce costs associated with collecting and processing those applications.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Is it really for all students regardless of income level?

Yes. All students, regardless of income level, can receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each day. Additional a la carte items can be purchased by the students.

Do I need to fill out a free and reduced meal application?

No. The free and reduced meal applications are replaced with the household income form to determine additional state and federal programs that your child(ren) may qualify for. These forms are vitally important to continue the district's eligibility under the CEP moving forward and everyone is encouraged to complete them.

Can I buy additional meals/items?

Yes. The first breakfast and first lunch are free each day for all students. Any additional items purchased a la carte would need to be paid for by the student, no meals or a la carte items may be charged.

How do I pay for additional meals/items?

Parents/guardians may prepay any amount, any time, by sending a check or money order (made payable to the Longwood Lunch Fund) or cash with your child to be given to the cashier or by making payments online using the link to MySchoolBucks (www.myschoolbucks.com)

 

For more information about CEP, please visit USDA.gov/school-meals/communityeligibility-provision

CEP Applications

We are asking all families to complete a "CEP Household Income Form." The forms can be completed by clicking on the My School Apps button. If you need a paper form please contact the Child Nutrition Office at 631-345-2805. Only complete one application per family. The information you give will be used for other state or federally funded school benefits.

Factors considered on the Income form process are household size and total household income. HOUSEHOLD SIZE is considered all persons, related or unrelated: Including parents, children, grandparents who live in your home and share living expenses. The TOTAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME is the income each household member received last month before taxes - this includes wages, social security, pension, unemployment, welfare, child support, alimony, and any other cash income.

Foster children are categorically eligible for free meal benefits. An application is not needed yet there does need to be documentation of status by a state or local entity familiar with the child's status. Foster children may be included in the household application as part of the household size.

 

2023 Summer Food Program Flyer.pdf

Welcome to Child Nutrition Services!

 

The District is pleased to announce that for the school year 2023-24 we have again been approved by the USDA for the CEP program which will enable all students to receive a Free Breakfast and Lunch daily.

Good nutrition and learning go hand in hand.

The Child Nutrition Department is made up of a team of food and nutrition professionals that are dedicated to student's health, well-being, and their ability to learn. We support learning by promoting healthy habits for lifelong nutrition and fitness practices.

Meals, foods, and beverages sold or served at schools meet state and federal requirements which are based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines. We provide students with access to a variety of affordable and appealing foods that meet the health and nutrition needs of students.