4/3 Child Nutrition Services Special Update

Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction sent this bulletin at 04/03/2025 03:10 PM PDT

4/3 Child Nutrition Services Special Update

Update: Clarification on CEP Requirements for 2025–26

Update: Clarification on CEP Requirements for 2025–26

We want to address information that has been circulating regarding potential federal legislative actions that could impact the School Meal Programs, including changes to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)—specifically a change in the Identified Student Percentage.

Currently, we have not received any information from the United States Department of Agriculture regarding changes in the administration and operation of Child Nutrition Programs. The CEP Identified Student Percentage (ISP) is set in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at ≥25% and is approved on a four-year cycle (7 CFR 245.9(f)(3)(i)).

LEAs can reapply for CEP prior to the end of their 4-year cycle to extend eligibility to offer meals at no costs to students. The SY 25–26 CEP Eligibility Report will be released by April 15. CEP applications will open in WINS on April 15 and are due by June 30, 2025. Tools and resources to help LEAs apply for CEP are available on the CEP & Provision II Webpage.

We continue to monitor federal legislation and communicate with USDA and will promptly share any new information.

Questions? Please contact your School Meal Programs Specialist or email SchoolMeals@k12.wa.us.

ALL STUDENTS PREPARED FOR POST-SECONDARY PATHWAYS, CAREERS, AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.

Led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI oversees K-12 public education in Washington state. Our mission is to provide funding, resources, tools, data and technical assistance that enable educators to ensure students succeed in our public schools, are prepared to access post-secondary training and education, and are equipped to thrive in their careers and lives.

ADA NOTIFICATION FOR OSPI CHILD NUTRITION SERVICES EVENTS
To arrange accommodations for persons with disabilities for OSPI Child Nutrition Services events, please contact the Child Nutrition Services Team at 360-725-6200, TTY 360-664-3631, or by email, child.nutrition@k12.wa.us at least three business days before the event. Please note that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require OSPI to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.

This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.

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This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.