Valley Stream School District 30 is thrilled to announce that it has been granted approval for the Community Eligibility Provision by the United States Department of Agriculture. This represents a significant step forward in its ongoing efforts to provide nutritious breakfast and lunch to all students while simplifying the process for families.

The CEP is a federal program that allows eligible school districts to offer free meals to all enrolled students, regardless of their individual family income. This initiative not only ensures that no child goes hungry during the school day but also reduces administrative burdens on families by eliminating the need for household meal applications. With CEP approval, there is no longer a need for families to complete complex meal applications, streamlining the process and reducing paperwork for parents and guardians. CEP provides that all students receive meals without singling out those who may qualify for free or reduced price meals, reducing the stigma and promoting a sense of inclusivity.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roxanne Garcia-France expressed gratitude for the CEP approval and highlighted its significance. "We believe that no child should ever go hungry while at school, and the Community Eligibility Provision helps us achieve this important goal,” Dr. Garcia-France said. “Special thanks to Assemblywoman Michelle Solages her partnership and advocacy as well as Assistant Superintendent for Business and Human Resources Marcela Moran and Assistant Business Manager Ashley Starna for their passionate efforts during the certification process to ensure our Global Leaders of Tomorrow are well-nourished, ready to learn, and can focus on their education."

More information can be found here: https://www.valleystream30.com/resources/cep_-_community_eligibility_provision