Midland ISD expands free school meal program for upcoming school year

MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Midland ISD announced that the free school meal program is expanding and will operate the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast program for the upcoming school year.

According to MISD, the qualifying schools listed below will serve free breakfast and lunch to all children through the Community Eligibility Program, a USDA program that allows eligible schools to serve all students free school meals for the 2024-2025 school year:

• Lamar
• Henderson
• South
• DeZavala
• Bunche
• PK Academy at MC
• Burnet
• Long

According to MISD, before the start of the school year, all of its other campuses will receive free and reduced meal application forms that can be completed in person or online.

MISD also shared a list of frequently asked questions and answers from the school district regarding the CEP and free meal plans, which can be found below:

Why does my child’s school not qualify for CEP?

Your child’s school did not meet the minimum identified student percentage to qualify for the program. Identified students are obtained from the Texas Department of Agriculture and are referred to as “directly certified” students. Usually these students participate in another qualifying program such as SNAP, Medicaid, homeless, migrant, or runaways. The minimum percentage to qualify for the CEP and maintain MISD financial accountability is 62%. Schools are evaluated each March to see if the school will qualify for CEP for the following school year.

If I have funds on my child’s meal account, should I request a refund?

No, you do not have to request a refund. The funds in your child’s account may be used to purchase healthy a la carte snacks or an additional entree or food item. Funds on meal accounts will roll over year to year, so you do not need to worry about losing the money on the account.

What if my child wants the entree or just one item from the breakfast or lunch line?

Students at participating campuses must take a complete meal to receive it at no cost. If a student chooses to take only one or two items, they must pay a la carte pricing for those items.

Do CEP schools have a different menu or different food from other Midland ISD schools?

No, the same food is served to all students.

Do I need to fill out the school income survey form?

Yes, In order to maintain other funding, Midland ISD still needs to collect this very important form in order not to lose funding or services for all students.

If one of my children attends a CEP school, but another child attends a NON-CEP school, do I need to fill out a free and reduced meal form?

Yes, you need to complete a free and reduced meal form at the NON-CEP school or online. Remember to list all children and all adults in the household with their income frequency, along with your signature so we can process that form immediately.

If my student transfers from a CEP school to a NON-CEP school, will I need to fill out a free and reduced meal form?

Yes, you will need to complete a free and reduced meal form online or on paper for the NON-CEP school.

How will CEP affect Title 1 funding?

CEP will not impact the total amount of Title 1 funding received at the district level. However, it may impact the distribution of percentages for funding received at the campus level.

For additional questions regarding the CEP program and reduced school, contact the MISD Child Nutrition Services Department at 432-240-1840.

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