Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)

All of Saydel students eat free breakfast and free lunch! There is no need to fill out Free and Reduced Meal Application.

Saydel Community School District is expanding its participation in the US Department of Agriculture's Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).

It is the goal of School Food and Nutrition Services to feed all students of Saydel a nutritious and well balanced meal. Starting in the 2018-2019 School Year, all students will be able to eat a reimbursable breakfast and lunch for FREE. The meals will be funded through the USDA's Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).  Research has shown that students who eat breakfast and lunch on a daily basis increase their attendance, improve their behavior and perform better in school. Participation is automatic and families are not required to fill out any forms or applications.

What is the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)? Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) was created as part of the USDA's National School Lunch Program. It allows schools with high eligibility for free and reduced-price meals to provide a no-cost reimbursable lunch and breakfast for all students in the school regardless of income.

Will my child receive free or reduced-price meals even if we aren’t income eligible? All students in the CEP school will receive a no-cost reimbursable lunch and breakfast meal regardless of income. The meal must meet the federal guideline for reimbursable meals. This does not include milk only sales, extra entrees, or a la carte sales.

Why am I being asked to complete the CEP Household Income Data Collection Form and Fee Waiver Benefits Forms? The CEP program allows schools to provide no-cost reimbursable meals to all students regardless of income; therefore, free and reduced-price meals applications are no longer needed to determine eligibility. However, the Department of Education has historically used the number of eligible students to determine the amount of state aid for school districts, among other things. A school with more eligible students generally will receive more state aid. The form also includes a section for waiving or reducing certain allowable fees within the district. 

I have more than one child – do I need to fill out more than one form? One (1) form is needed if all your children. 

What happens if I refuse to fill out the CEP Household Income Data Collection Form? If households fail to complete the CEP Household Income Data Collection Form, the delivery of programs and services in your child’s school may be impacted; therefore, it is very important that every household accurately completes the form.

Will the district share my information? The information collected on the CEP Household Income Data Form and Fee Waiver Benefits Forms will be protected using the same protocol as the information collected through the National School Lunch Program’s free and reduced-price meals application.

What if my child changes schools? Your child is eligible for no-cost meals at the school where he/she is currently enrolled. If he/she eats meals at or transfers to a non-CEP school during the 2018-2019 school year, you may be responsible for meal charges.

What will happen to my child’s meal account? Meal accounts that have money may be transferred to a sibling’s account or money may be refunded. Money can also stay on the account for additional a la carte items served at schools. All meal accounts with a negative balance will remain on the account until fully paid. Contact the Food and Nutrition Services office at 515-264-0866 or e-mail sadlerjessy@saydel.net to inquire about your student’s account.

Who should I contact with questions about the CEP Household Income Data Form and Fee Waiver Benefits Forms or the CEP program? All questions should first be directed to the Director of Food and Nutrition Services. 

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

 Iowa Non-Discrimination Statement:  “It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, o r religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 2216.7 and 216.9.  If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office Building, 400 E. 14th St., Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416; web site:  https://icrc.iowa.gov/.”