HOWARD —  All East Knox Local School students will receive free breakfast and lunch this school year.

The board of education announced this at Thursday’s meeting.

The district will participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, allowing all K through 12 students free breakfast and lunch.

According to the USDA’s website, Community Eligibility Provision is a no-cost meal service option for students for up to four consecutive years in approved schools.

Thanks to the program, superintendent Richard Baird said, “We can ensure that every student has access to nutritious meals each school day without any cost to families.”

“This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting the well-being and academic success of our students by removing barriers to learning and providing essential resources for all.”

How the free lunch program works

The reimbursement for schools that adopt CEP is determined using a formula based on the percentage of students categorically eligible for free meals.

The formula is based on the school’s participation in other specific means-tested programs, according to the USDA’s webpage on CEP.

These include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Approximately 25% of students must fit these criteria before approval of CEP. East Knox High School identified 209 students (44.09%), compared to the elementary schools 223 (43.64%.)

Also, they reimburse the remaining percentage at the paid meal rate.

Schools with an identified student percentage of 62.5% or greater will receive free meal reimbursement for all breakfast and lunch meals served to students.

According to the Ohio Dept. of Education & Workforce (DEW,) school food authorities will multiply the identified student percentage by a factor defined by the USDA.

The final value represents the percentage of total student breakfast and lunch meals reimbursed at the free meal rate.

The school board would have the opportunity to exit the program next school year, East Knox treasurer Jessica Busenburg said at June’s board meeting.

Later, Baird announced the district will waive student academic fees for the 2024-25 school year.

“This decision reflects our dedication to easing the financial burden on families and ensuring that all students have equal opportunities to thrive in their educational journey,” Baird said.

“We believe these measures will positively impact our school community and we look forward to a successful and enriching school year for all.”