Waterloo Local board votes to apply for one-year pilot to provide free school meals

The Waterloo Local Board of Education voted unanimously to apply for a one-year pilot of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2025–26 school year, which would provide free breakfast and lunch to all students if approved by the Ohio Department of Education.

Board members moved and approved Item B, the district’s application for CEP, during the superintendent business portion of the meeting. The board was told the pilot would be submitted this summer and the district hopes to receive approval by July. The motion passed by roll-call vote.

District representatives explained the payment mechanics the board will rely on if the pilot is approved: federal reimbursement under CEP is calculated from the share of students who are directly certified (for example, families receiving SNAP or other state/county assistance). The district would receive reimbursement for the directly certified portion and would be responsible for the remaining difference for students who are not directly certified. The board noted the program is not an income-based waiver for families at the school level, but a census-based federal reimbursement mechanism tied to direct certifications.

Board members said the measure aims to reduce meal debt and simplify meal service logistics. The application is a one-year pilot; the district will continue with current meal operations until the state issues a determination. The board approved the motion by roll call, with all voting members recorded as yes.

The board did not specify projected budgetary impact beyond the reimbursement description; officials said they would report back once the state responds to the application.