What is CEP? Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a USDA program that allows school districts to serve students a free breakfast and lunch.

When does it start? 

It will start the first day of school for the 2024-2025 school year.

Do parents have to fill out a meal application to qualify for CEP?

No, parents will NOT have to fill out a meal application. However, parents will be expected to fill out a questionnaire that provides a range of household income; this information is still necessary to collect as it will be used to determine school district funding amounts from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

We will send this form home with your student or you may come by and pick one up from one of the offices.

I have never qualified for meal benefits in the past due to my family’s income. Will my child be able to receive free meals also?

Yes, ALL Ector ISD students will be eligible to receive a free breakfast and lunch meal.

Can I put money in my child’s meal account? Yes, you can. Students in grades PK-12 will be able to purchase extra entrees, a la carte items or snacks if they have money in their account. All funds will roll over year to year.

Can students take more than one meal?

One free complete breakfast and lunch will be provided to each student. Additional entrees or a la carte items may be purchased.

What if my child wants the entrée or just one item from the breakfast or lunch line?

Students must take a complete meal to receive it at no cost. If a student chooses to take only one or two items, they must pay a la carte pricing for those items.

Can I still use My MealTime to add money to my child’s account?

Yes, you may use https://www.mymealtime.com or cash/check at the register.

For more information, please call Shelly Abbott, Child Nutrition Director, at 903-6961-2355 or email shelly@ectorisdonline.org.

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: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.