In a recent board meeting, the Yancey County School Board approved a plan to provide breakfast and lunch at no charge for all students (grades PreK - 12) during the 2024-2025 school year under the USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) grant program.
Previously, Yancey County Schools did not meet the minimum criteria to participate in the CEP program until USDA approved North Carolina to participate in the Direct Certification with Medicaid Demonstration Pilot Project.
“We the citizens of Yancey County are blessed beyond measure. Sometimes, if we aren’t careful, we can lose sight of how fortunate we are,” stated YCS Board Chairman Edwin Fortner. “Last year there was a program released from the state for free breakfast and lunch for all students in public schools if your county qualified. As always in nutritional issues, we sought guidance from our Child Nutrition Director. Mrs. Deyton reached out to the state for clarification on qualifications. Although YCS technically qualified to participate, the meal reimbursement rates were much lower than the actual cost of the meals. YCS would be left to pay the difference which would have resulted in significant debt. With the previous guidelines, we now see systems throughout our region and the state that have incurred millions in nutritional program debt, however, every Yancey County school will open this August without any meal debt. We are proud to report to you that no child was denied any breakfast or lunch meal at any time last year and we are still operating within budget.”
“Recently, we were informed of a new program that the federal government has made available that we actually do qualify for and have been accepted to participate in,” continued Chairman Fortner. “This new program will provide for free breakfast and lunch meals for each student but with one major change; our nutrition program will be in a better position to not incur any debt. We truly appreciate Mrs. Lynne Deyton and her work on this project for over a year and a half, as well as everyone that helps to make Yancey County schools a success.”
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a federal program that allows nutritious school meals to be provided to students in low-income communities. School districts must be eligible to participate in CEP and eligibility is determined by the Identified Student Percentage (ISP) of the individual schools. With CEP, students are allowed one no cost breakfast and lunch per school day and there is no need to complete a free & reduced price meal application.
The menus meet the strict federal nutrition standards for school meals set by USDA and offer students the right balance of fruits, vegetables, low-fat or fat-free milk, whole grains and lean proteins. Students will have the opportunity to purchase extra menu items as well as Smart Snacks and Beverages. Parents can prepay in the cafeteria or through the online PaySchools payment system at https://www.payforit.net
CEP is a one-year grant program and districts are required to reevaluate program eligibility each year. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
YCS Child Nutrition Director Lynne Deyton shared, “Yancey County Schools encourages every student to fuel up with a no cost breakfast and lunch so they can be energized and prepared for success. This is a win-win for all YCS students, schools and families!”