LANSING, N.Y. (WHCU) – The Lansing Central School District (LCSD) will provide free meals for all students, effective November 1.

The move was made possible by a revision in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) in the National School Lunch Program, which allows schools in low-income areas to serve free meals. Prior to the revision, in order for a district to be eligible, the reimbursement program required that 40% of students meet certain criteria, like participation in other “specific means-test programs” like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). That number was recently lowered to 25%.

LCSD Assistant Superintendent of Business Kate Heath says that change, plus a little help from New York State, allowed the district to provide the service, which will not increase local school taxes.

The USDA and New York State have agreed to lock in the threshold and subsidy for the next three years.

“We are grateful to the USDA for making CEP available to our schools,” said Heath. “This program is making a real difference in the lives of our students and families.”

CEP ensures all students, regardless of household income, are eligible for free breakfast and lunch. Heath says the benefits for students and families will be tremendous based on the results of a similar program that was rolled out during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other benefits of the program are improved nutrition, reduced food insecurity, reduced financial burden on families, and improved social-emotional well-being. Proponents say making the service available to all students reduces the stigma surrounding those who receive financial assistance. Heath says the district has been patient, but hopeful.

LCSD Superintendent Chris Pettograsso echoed Heath’s excitement, saying the program will help students and families alike.

“We are excited to be able to offer free meals to all of our students this year,” said Pettograsso. “We know that food insecurity is a real problem in our community, and we want to make sure that all students have access to the food they need to succeed in school.”

You can learn more about the CEP program here.