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ECISD nutrition director says CEP boosted participation; USDA covers most meal reimbursements
Summary
School nutrition director Dr. Pando told the board that CEP (Community Eligibility Provision) provides free meals to all students, the district serves about 14,000 breakfasts and 18,000 lunches daily, USDA reimbursements cover about 81% of costs, and department investments and procurement changes produced estimated savings.
Dr. Pando, ECISDs director of school nutrition, briefed the board on May 13 about program operations, participation trends and cost-management strategies tied to the districts Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
Pando said CEP, implemented in the 2022 school year, provides free breakfast and lunch to all students and has helped reduce stigma and unpaid meal balances. "Maintaining and increasing participation is crucial for us to sustain the program," she said, reporting daily participation of about 14,000 breakfasts and 18,000 lunches.
She described finances: USDA reimbursements account for the majority of revenue (she said USDA covers roughly 81% based on reimbursable meals) while the district covers the remaining ~19% gap through state/local funds and a la carte sales. To offset costs, the department added participation-driving menu items and invests in procurement and storage infrastructure; Pando said converting a warehouse refrigerator to a freezer expanded storage capacity and yielded estimated savings of about $25,000 for the initial shipment cycle.
Pando also summarized workforce practices: a two-step hiring process that places new staff initially as substitutes for a three-month evaluation period, pay parity during probation, and certification stipends tied to Texas Association of Student Nutrition levels.
The director described ongoing operational investments including serving-line upgrades and planned generator installations to protect walk-in refrigeration in outages. Board members thanked the nutrition team and asked follow-up questions about participation and hiring.
