The USDA Community Eligibility Provision is a meal service option allowing school districts to provide meals at no cost to all students without parents or guardians applying for free or reduced price meals.  The USDA will provide federal support above available local or state funding to underwrite the cost of the program.

To date, the program has facilitated participation of school districts in eight states. The Program is intended to lower food costs for families and improve nutrition for students from households that are in need. According to the USDA the program will eliminate school meal debt and increase student participation in breakfast and lunch programs, removing any social stigma associated with participation.

Stacy Dean, USDA Deputy Undersecretary for Food Nutrition and Consumer Services stated, “healthy school meals are an essential part of the school environment and sets kids up for success and better health”.