Birmingham, AL - JEFCOED students will be able to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost beginning August 8th. The free meals will continue for at least the duration of the 2024-2025 school year.
This program is being made possible because Jefferson County now qualifies as a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) District. CEP is a program offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that allows districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to students without collecting household applications.
“This is something that is a game changer for our district. Students can’t learn if they are hungry. This program will ensure every student has access to a nutritious breakfast and lunch,” said Dr. Walter Gonsoulin, Superintendent. “In the past we have required our families to fill out applications for free or reduced lunch. But even that carried a stigma for some students. No more. We’re breaking down barriers. Every student enrolled in in-person learning can benefit from this program. We encourage our families to take advantage of this opportunity, so we can continue it for years to come.”
Districts that adopt the CEP model are reimbursed using a formula based on the percentage of students categorically eligible for free meals based on their participation in other specific means-tested programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). This alternative saves districts time and money by streamlining paperwork and administrative requirements and facilitates access to nutritious school meals for all students in school.
“I appreciate the USDA for offering this program to districts, and I appreciate our hard working child nutrition program staff for working to make it happen,” said Gonsoulin.