This school year, we are pleased to roll out a new program that will make it easier for families to access free meals for their children at school. Known as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), it allows eligible schools to serve free meals to all students regardless of individual family income.

Included in the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, Community Eligibility Provision eliminates annual school meal applications for families. Since school year 2011-2012, the program has been piloted in eleven states and will be operational in all fifty states this school year. Fifty-nine schools who participate in the School Meals program under NDS’ sponsorship have been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to participate.

St. Peter the Apostle School is among the 59 participating schools. Principal, Sr. Rosalia Federici SSND, says, “Community eligibility is a wonderful opportunity of the families of St. Peter the Apostle. It truly meets the needs of the community. God takes care of our needs.”

“NDS staff is looking forward to the opportunity to provide breakfast and lunch to all children in our eligible schools. By having access to these meals, we feel children will be more attentive in class and more motivated to learn. Since all children will be able to enjoy the same meal, the children will have the enjoyment of a shared experience at meal time,” says NDS director, Lorraine Knight.