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Breakfast and Lunch Offered at No Cost in all Schools
The New Paltz Central School District is now providing breakfast and lunch at no cost to all students in all schools. This is made possible by the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) designation granted to the District by the New York State Education Department and will be effective starting Wednesday September 4th, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)?
A: The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a funding option under the National School Lunch Act that allows eligible schools to provide free meals to all students. This means that beginning September 4th, 2024 school year ALL students regardless of the family’s income will have the ability to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch daily.
Q: Do I need to fill out an application for my child to receive meals at no cost?
A: No, families do not need to fill out an application for their child to gain eligibility for breakfast and lunch at no cost. However, families are still encouraged to fill out the CEP Household Income Eligibility Form if you believe your household is eligible and has not already been approved through the direct certification process. This form can be found on the District’s website (click here). Completion of this form assists the District to maximize the amount of State and Federal Aid that it receives, thereby maximizing resources available to students. Completion of the application could also qualify some students for additional services, such as discounts on home internet costs, academic testing, college applications and more.
Q: What does CEP cover for my child?
A: With the CEP designation, all New Paltz Central School District enrolled students can receive one breakfast meal and one lunch meal per school day.
Q: I’m new to the District and/or the Food Services program - what does a healthy lunch entail for my child? What about breakfast?
A: A healthy lunch always consists of five components: a protein, grain, fruit, vegetable, and milk. To be considered a full meal, children must choose at least three of these components, including either a fruit or vegetable. A full breakfast consists of four components: two grains (main entree), one cup of fruit/juice, one cup of milk. Students must choose three of the four components offered with one of those components being a fruit/juice.
Q: Can my child still purchase snacks and à la carte items?
A: Yes, snacks and à la carte items (drinks, snacks, second entrées), are available for an additional cost. However, students will need cash or funds in their cafeteria accounts to make these purchases.
Q: How can I add funds to my child’s account to make those types of purchases?
You may pay by cash or check payable to New Paltz School Food Services. Students can turn in their deposits to the cafeteria. You can also write one check for multiple students in the same school. Simply include each student’s name and PIN number on the single check. Please send separate checks for students in different buildings. Students can pay with cash in the cafeteria but will still enter their PIN numbers. Please check out www.myschoolbucks.com for information on making online Credit Card payments to your child's account.
Q: What if I already have money in my child's cafeteria account?
A: Money on your student’s cafeteria account can be used for A la carte items (Snacks, Drinks, Second Entrees, etc.)
Q: What if there is negative balance on my child’s account?
A: Free breakfasts and lunches are not retroactive and any negative charges incurred prior to September 4th, 2024 will remain on the student’s account until payment is received.
Q: What if my child brings their own lunch and just wants some milk or a piece of fruit?
A: According to State guidelines, in order to access the free meal benefit, a child must take a complete meal, which includes choosing at least three of the five meal components (including a fruit or vegetable). Food Services staff will guide your child in understanding what constitutes a complete lunch meal.
Q: Does funding for school meals come out of my school taxes?
A: No, meals and food at schools are not funded by your school tax dollars. Instead, the funding comes from Federal and State taxes.
Should you have any additional questions regarding the new program, or anything related to Food Services, please contact the Food Services Office at 845-256-4050 or Foodservices@newpaltz.k12.ny.us
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
email: Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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