Southmoreland board approves districtwide free-meal plan under CEP; summer feeding expanded

The Southmoreland School Board unanimously approved a districtwide expansion of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2024–25 school year, ensuring free breakfast and lunch for every enrolled student K–12. The board also approved a summer feeding plan that expands service to four sites and extends YMCA service to five days a week at the site that had previously served camp days only.

Food-services staff presented participation and financial data showing higher lunch participation under CEP and that a full-district grouping would produce an approximate 89/11 reimbursement split (free/paid) after USDA modifiers. "Meals at both breakfast and lunch for all enrolled students in all buildings would be served at no charge," the presenter said while outlining the model and claiming the district would see both participation gains and a reduction in negative student meal account balances.

Why it matters: Administrators said the full-district CEP would increase federal reimbursements by an estimated roughly $30,000 (federal-only comparison to current partial participation) and would eliminate most negative balances at the two buildings currently outside CEP. Board members thanked the presenter and staff; one trustee specifically thanked Mr. Valenbrake for assembling the data that supported the recommendation.

Summer feeding and logistics: The district will operate summer feeding Monday through Friday from June 17 through Aug. 9 (no meal service on June 28 for a local event). Sites include Laux Park (two-hour site), the YMCA (extended to five days), Frick Park (returning), and Centennial Park (end-of-day service point noted). Food-services staff noted they are working with local vendors and partners for giveaways and sampling at sites to encourage participation.

Outcomes and next steps: The board approved the CEP expansion by voice vote and authorized the summer feeding schedule. Administration will implement the districtwide CEP for the 2024–25 school year and continue monitoring participation and reimbursements; the board will receive updates and the financial team will incorporate the change into the posted budget materials.