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Nutrition staff warns CEP status could change after June 2028; district tracks meal waste
Summary
District nutrition staff reported the district's Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) status runs through June 2028, described waste-reduction steps and a 'Meatless Mondays' plant-based menu initiative, and said about 60% of enrolled students eat school meals.
District nutrition staff told the Reynolds School Board on Nov. 19 that the district is closely monitoring possible disruptions to CEP and SNAP eligibility that could affect school meal programs after the district's current CEP status expires in June 2028.
The presenter said staff monitor meal waste weekly and adjust portions to reduce waste and that roughly 60% of the district's enrolled students currently take school meals, citing factors such as students bringing lunches or leaving campus. The report noted federal requirements, including whole-grain rules, and explained the district cannot freely give away excess food; the presenter described limited donation initiatives but said the district lacks staffing and infrastructure to operate them properly. "Meatless Mondays will focus on including plant-based items (nuggets, burgers, etc) verses the normal vegetarian options available daily," the presenter said.
