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Board approves universal free lunches under Community Eligibility Provision, extends summer feeding
Summary
The board approved the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for 2026-27, making breakfasts and lunches free for all students at no cost to the district, and approved continuation of the district's summer feeding program for 2026.
The Muhlenberg County Board unanimously approved enrolling the district in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2026-27 school year, which enables free breakfasts and lunches for all students because of high rates of qualifying households.
"The CEP provides free breakfast and lunch for every child regardless of income," Rachel Baker, food service department staff and the incoming replacement for Joe Cooper, told the board, noting that CEP is federally funded and costs the district nothing while increasing reimbursement rates.
The board also approved continuing the district's summer feeding program for summer 2026, a recurring program run by the food service department that provides meals to children while school is out. Both items passed by voice vote.
Officials said CEP eligibility was based on the district's percentage of students who receive Medicaid, SNAP or foster services; the transcript did not include the precise eligibility percentage. The board's action authorizes staff to implement universal free meals next school year and continue summer meal operations.
