Child Nutrition Programs

Child Nutrition Programs are federally funded programs administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Office of Food and Nutrition Services (OFNS), and the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Each program operates under a separate set of regulations.

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Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)

Beginning in School Year 2023-2024, Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) will be Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the entire school district. CEP is a non-pricing meal service option allowing BCPS to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications. Instead, BCPS is reimbursed using a formula based on the percentage of students categorically eligible for free meals based on participation in other programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Foster Care, and Medicaid.

Overview of Community Eligibility Provision

Participation in Free School Meals Program Cuts Obesity (healthday.com)

Other Food Programs Helping BCPS Provide Meals to Students

Food Distribution Program

The USDA provides purchased food items to support the National School Lunch Program and
the Summer Food Service Program.
The school district is eligible to receive USDA foods called
"entitlement" foods at a value set by USDA. Donated foods must
be of domestic origin. A wide variety of foods are available including
cheese, flour, other grain products, meat, poultry, and fruits and
vegetables.

Overview of USDA Foods

Farm to Table

Farm to School Program

The USDA provides grant funds to help support child nutrition
programs incorporate local foods in the National School Lunch
Program and the Summer Food Service Program.

Overview of Farm to School

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