WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — Every student at Washington Court House City Schools will receive a free lunch every day starting next school year because of a federal program.
The Washington Court House City Schools Board of Education unanimously voted to implement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Eligibility Provision program, or CEP, for the 2024-25 school year. The program provides free breakfast and lunch to every student, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
The district says it aims to promote a healthier and more inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
"Ensuring that our students have access to nutritious meals is essential for their overall well-being and academic success. By offering free breakfast and lunch to all Blue Lions, we are removing barriers and fostering an environment where every child can focus on learning and reaching their full potential,” Superintendent Tom Bailey said.
The USDA’s CEP program was announced last year by the Biden administration.
At schools where 25% of families participate in income-based public benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, the federal government now will cover the cost of free meals for all enrolled students. Previously, the qualifying threshold was 40%.
The rule expanded access to universal meals through the program. Instead of requiring families to fill out individual applications for free or reduced-price meals, schools participating in the program receive federal funding based on income data, with local or state money filling in any gaps in the cost of offering meals to all students.
Advocates say reducing administrative burdens like applications helps ensure children don’t go hungry.
Some have criticized the costs of the program. The Republican Study Committee has called for eliminating the CEP altogether, arguing it ignores the individual income eligibility of each student.
