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Cascade SD 5 recertifies Community Eligibility, expands breakfast program and addresses legacy meal debt
Summary
The district recertified for the Community Eligibility Provision through 2030–31, expanding free breakfasts and lunches for all students; the food services director reported a successful "breakfast after the bell" pilot and identified remaining legacy meal debt of about $7,581.68.
Kendall, director of food services, told the board the district resubmitted documentation and "met the eligibility percentage again," which will allow recertification under the Community Eligibility Provision for another four‑year cycle through 2030–31 and permit free breakfast and lunch for all students at participating sites.
She described a successful junior‑high "breakfast after the bell" program in which two staff with carts distributed grab‑and‑go breakfasts between passing periods; the program served over 11,500 breakfasts at the junior‑high this year and contributed to districtwide increases (Kendall said the district served over 15,000 more breakfasts year‑over‑year and over 3,500 more lunches).
Kendall also reported legacy meal debt that predates the district's CEP participation. "We are at a negative $7,581.68," she said, and explained that those balances are assigned to individual students and the district pursues grants, donations or other funds (but not nutrition services revenue) to pay them off. She confirmed seniors graduating this year had no remaining meal debt.
The board asked whether diplomas could be withheld for unpaid debt; Kendall confirmed the practice exists: "They can withhold diplomas," though she added staff try to avoid that outcome by seeking alternate funds and assistance.
What happens next: the food services department will complete remaining administrative steps for CEP recertification, monitor impacts of the upcoming USDA added‑sugar rule, and continue efforts to reduce legacy meal debt.
