Community Eligibility is a provision that helps schools and districts in high poverty communities meet eligibility to serve no-cost lunches and breakfasts to all their students. Interested schools and districts must apply for Community Eligibility through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Office of Nutrition. Call 1-800-808-6325 to ask questions.
School food authorities interested in participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for one or more schools must complete the
CEP Election Survey. On the annual school lunch application for the next school year, sponsors must update number 59 on the sponsor application to indicate participation in CEP. The participation form and eligibility worksheet (below) must be uploaded in the checklist summary of the application packet in the Claims Reimbursement and Reporting System (CRRS) by June 30 of the current program year for participation in the next school year.
Beginning in school year 2024-2025, eligible Local Education Agencies (LEA's) and schools are those with Identified Student Percentages ( ISPs) that are 25 percent or higher. Near-eligible LEAs and schools are those with ISPs less than 25 percent but greater than or equal to 15 percent. LEAs and schools eligible for a grace year are those with ISPs of less than 25 percent but greater than or equal to 15 percent as of April 1 in year 4 of their CEP cycle. For more information about the CEP program please reference this ODEW link: