Board approves free school meals for most LRSD students under Community Eligibility Provision

The Little Rock School District Board of Education voted June 26 to proceed with the application and implementation steps required by the Arkansas Department of Education and USDA to adopt the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) in its school nutrition program.

District child-nutrition staff told the board CEP would make breakfast and lunch free to students at almost all LRSD campuses; Forest Park, Jefferson and Roberts were identified as exceptions because of lower identified percentages. The presenter said free breakfast would still be available at those three sites even if they do not qualify for full CEP coverage.

The nutrition director said CEP removes stigma, increases participation and creates a more predictable revenue flow for the districtallowing further investments in serving-line improvements and kitchen equipment. The presenter described recent upgrades to multiple cafeterias and said CEP would reduce paperwork for families.

Director Mason moved the resolution to proceed with the application; Director Calloway seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Under CEP, the district will receive federal reimbursements for meals using an identified student percentage and will not collect meal fees at participating schools. Presenters estimated meal debt would be eliminated at the majority of schools; a small number of sites with lower qualifying percentages would continue to track meal debt for non-participating students.

The child-nutrition office said it will coordinate a communications campaign to promote the program, increase participation and highlight recent operational improvements. Staff said a new marketing hire will begin July 28 to increase outreach and parent engagement before the fall semester.