USDA Extends Community Eligibility Provision Deadline

As part of the U.S. Dept. of Ag's (USDA) response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the department has recently decided to extend the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) deadlines for the 2020–2021 school year to provide states and school districts with additional time to apply and adopt CEP. Specifically, this newly released nationwide waiver will enable districts to apply for CEP any time between April 1, 2020–June 30, 2020, and to extend the deadline for schools to adopt the program by August 31, 2020.

 

Considering the economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 crisis, it is likely that more school districts will be eligible to implement CEP for the 2020-2021 school year due to the increases in individuals who are now qualified for SNAP benefits. As such, AASA is encouraging our members to re-examine their eligibility for CEP, since it will now be a more financially viable option for many more schools. 

 

Are you looking to learn more about CEP? Our partners at the Food Research Action Committee (FRAC) are hosting a Webinar on  June 11, at 3:00 p.m. ET., to discuss the CDC's Interim Guidance for K-12 schools as it relates to operating school nutrition programs, and best practices for districts to implement innovative policies that meet students' nutritional needs. You can register for the event by clicking here.