ACTION NEEDED: Submit Comments to Help Support Community Eligibility Provision Improvements in Proposed Rule From the Food Research and Action Center

 

On March 23, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a proposed rule expanding access to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows high-need schools to offer free school breakfast and lunch to all of their students. The proposal lowers the Identified Student Threshold (ISP) to 25%, thus increasing the number of schools eligible to participate.    CEP increases students’ access to school breakfast and lunch, reduces administrative burden, increases operational efficiencies, and combats household food insecurity. It is a proven strategy in the fight against child hunger.       The Food Research & Action Center’s (FRAC) sample letter is designed to support commenting on USDA’s proposed rule. FRAC encourages organizations and individuals to insert specific examples of how the proposed rule would affect your community.   FRAC has also developed an individual comment letter for schools in response to the specific information USDA is seeking on the likelihood of CEP adoption at lower ISP levels, sources of nonfederal funds available to supplement school meals operations, and the expected administrative savings resulting from CEP implementation.  Download the school-specific comment letter here.   Comments are due to USDA on Monday, May 8, 2023.   For more information on CEP, visit FRAC’s Community Eligibility webpage.