The Hackett School District will once again participate in the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) for the 2019-2020 school year. ALL PreK-12 students will eat breakfast and lunch free each day regardless of income.
Hackett Elementary Principal Tura Bailey said, “this is a wonderful program for our students and we are so excited to have the opportunity to participate in this program once again!”
Hackett Schools have joined the growing list of schools in Arkansas who are taking advantage of federal funding that provides all students with free breakfast and lunch.
The program known as Community Eligibility Provision, or CEP, has now been adopted by many schools across the state. The bill passed in 2010 is known as the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. The bill itself is appealing to administrators as it eliminates the free/reduced meal application process. Additionally, schools are guaranteed reimbursement with the program.
The greater benefit, however, is to the students. CEP eliminates the negative association of those receiving free and reduced meals. Also, eliminating the embarrassment of those students who lack funds on their account and denied a “regular” lunch.
The idea behind the act is to ensure that all children, regardless of income, receive meals.
