All students in the Kent School District can get breakfast and lunch meals (not a la cart items) for free regardless of family or household income.

The program, federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service, began with the first day of school on Aug. 28.

The district applied for and received funding approval for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program for the next four school years (through 2027-2028), according to the district’s website. Many schools had received funding in the past but the program now covers every school.

(CEP) is a non-pricing meal service option for schools and school districts in low-income areas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. CEP allows the nation’s highest poverty schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications.

Instead, schools that adopt CEP are reimbursed using a formula based on the percentage of students categorically eligible for free meals based on their participation in other specific means-tested programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

While meals will be offered at no cost, the district reports it is still important that families complete the Child Nutrition Eligibility & Education Benefit (CNEEB) application. By completing the application which replaces the Family Income Survey, students and families may be eligible for additional benefits and schools can receive funding.

Families may receive waived or decreased fees to participate in other school programs.

Schools receive funding based on the number of free and reduced qualified applicants. By completing a free and reduced meal application, families will help their school obtain funding.

“We encourage families to complete an online application through MealAppNow because it only takes a few minutes and is the fastest, easiest way to get approved,” according to the district.

Find the district website at kent.k12.wa.us.