We are pleased to share some important news about our school breakfast and lunch program.

 

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a federal provision that allows individual schools to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students. In the past, our schools have not met the thresholds to participate in this program. This school year, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) expanded access to the CEP by lowering certain qualifying thresholds. This federal change, combined with funding support from the State, will open a window of opportunity for many students across New York State to receive meals at no cost.

 

As a result of this change, students enrolled in the following buildings will be able to receive one FREE breakfast and lunch each school day beginning on December 1, 2023: 

• High School East, 
• High School West, 
• Paumanok Elementary School (K-5), and 
• Otsego Elementary School (K-5). 

 

The District does not determine which buildings meet the new threshold and which do not. Offering free meals to all students in a particular building is the result of a calculation and data elements that are determined by the NYS Education Department and outside the District’s control. Unfortunately, not all of the District’s buildings qualify. However, we will continue to revisit eligibility each year to determine if additional buildings meet the eligibility requirements.

 

If you have any further questions, please contact the Food Services Department at 631-592-3023 or FoodServices@hhh.k12.ny.us.