Program would provide free breakfast and lunch to all children in eligible schools regardless of family income

Nutritional Development Services (NDS) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is pleased to roll out a new program that will make it easier for families to access free meals for their children at school. Known as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), it allows eligible schools to serve free meals to all students regardless of individual family income.

Included in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, CEP eliminates annual school meal applications for families. Since the 2011-2012 school year, the program has been piloted in eleven states and will be operational in all fifty states this Fall. Fifty-nine schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia who participate in the School Meals program under NDS’ sponsorship have been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to participate.

“NDS staff is looking forward to the opportunity to provide breakfast and lunch to all children in our eligible schools. By having access to these meals, we feel children will be more attentive in class and more motivated to learn. Since all children will be able to enjoy the same meal, the children will have the enjoyment of a shared experience at meal time,” says NDS director, Lorraine Knight.

###

Editor’s note: In fiscal year 2013, over 3.3 million meals were served with an average of 29,838 breakfast and lunches served each school day. For more information, contact Anne H. Ayella at 267-262-8901.

Contact
Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747