District kitchen managers: CEP rollout increased participation and eliminated lunch debt

Kitchen managers Brandy Maramantes and Rachel Hambley told the board the district's move to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) this year has simplified meals distribution and increased participation.

"All students receive free high quality school breakfast and lunch regardless of household income," Brandy Maramantes said while outlining program benefits such as eliminating the household income application and reducing unpaid meal debt.

The managers reported the district has served 19,655 breakfasts (an increase of 6,047 compared with last year) and 36,783 lunches (an increase of 6,164), and said donations and a matching initiative helped erase outstanding lunch debt. They also described menu highlights and student outreach, and noted participation in National School Lunch Week and community events.

Why it matters: District officials said the CEP option reduces stigma, lowers administrative burden, and increases access for low-income students. Trustees and community members praised the food-service staff and donors for their work.

Next steps: Managers said they will use participation data to continue menu planning and to support grant and community outreach efforts.