PENDER COUNTY — Over the next four years, students in qualifying Pender County schools will be provided free meals, thanks to a federal grant program.
As part of the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), 15 schools will serve free healthy breakfast and lunch for the entire school year, effective Monday, Aug. 26.
The program is designed for schools located in low-income areas, which are reimbursed using a formula based on the percentage of students eligible through participation in other programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
“Implementing the CEP is a significant step toward ensuring that all our students have access to nutritious meals, which is crucial for their academic performance and overall well-being,” Lisa Nowlin, chief financial officer of PCS, said in a press release.
The following schools have been identified to participate in CEP:
- Cape Fear Elementary
- C.F. Pope Elementary
- Malpass Corner Elementary
- North Topsail Elementary
- Rocky Point Elementary
- South Topsail Elementary
- Surf City Elementary
- Burgaw Middle
- Cape Fear Middle
- West Pender Middle
- Penderlea School
- Heide Trask High
- Pender High School
- Pender Early College
- Pender Innovative Learning Academy
All schools will offer the meals unless its eligibility status changes. Parents of students enrolled in CEP schools will receive notifications regarding their child’s eligibility; this program removes the need for parents to fill out applications to apply for free meals.
CEP includes breakfast and lunch meals but does not cover a la carte items.
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