Click here to view the latest information on the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program

HONOLULU – This upcoming school year, the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) will expand a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) free meal program, called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), from 30 public schools to a total of 52 across the state.

The CEP program allows a school district, a group of schools or a single school to serve free meals to all students even if they do not qualify for free or reduced-priced lunch reimbursements.

"We are very pleased to be able to expand this program to 22 additional schools statewide to provide free meals for over 8,500 more students," said Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi.  "The program helped over 18,000 students to receive free meals over the past two years and provided significant relief for many families."

The 22 additional schools being added to the program in school year 2017-18 are:

Oahu
Aiea El.
Central Middle
Governor Sanford B. Dole Middle
Kaala El.
Kaewai El.
Kahaluu El.
Kaiulani El.
Kalihi El.
Kauluwela El.
Mayor Joseph J. Fern El.
Palolo El.
Puuhale El.
Waipahu El.
William P. Jarrett Middle

Hawaii Island
Chiefess Kapiolani El.
Hilo Union El.
Honaunau El.
Hookena El.
Keaukaha El.
Ke Kula O Ehunuikaimalino
Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole El. & Inter.
Waimea El.

The 30 schools already participating in the program in school year 2016-17 are:

Kauai
Kekaha El.

Oahu
Blanche Pope El.
Leihoku El.
Linapuni El.
Maili El.
Makaha El.
Nanaikapono El.
Nanakuli El.
Nanakuli High & Intermediate
Olomana School
Waianae El.
Waianae High
Waianae Middle
Waimanalo El. & Intermediate

Maui
Hana High & El.

Molokai
Kaunakakai El.
Kilohana El.
Maunaloa El.
Molokai Middle
Molokai High 

Lanai
Lanai High & El.

Hawaii Island
Kau High & Pahala El.
Keaau El.
Keaau High
Keaau Middle
Keonepoko El.
Mountain View El.
Naalehu El.
Pahoa El.
Pahoa High

To qualify for the CEP program, a district, grouping or school must have a minimum of 40 percent or more of its students eligible for free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program.

Currently HIDOE pays an average of $5.50 a meal (including food costs, labor, utilities, etc.). The USDA reimburses the state $3.89 for students who qualify for a free meal and $0.44 for those paying for a meal. HIDOE charges $2.50 for elementary school meals for a total of $2.94 in recouped cost for the state.

Under the program all students in the CEP school would qualify for the higher $3.89 reimbursement. While participating schools may no longer be collecting meal monies and ensuring accounts have sufficient funds, families will be required to provide information for data collection.  

For more information about the USDA CEP program visit: USDA Community Eligibility Resource Center.  For details on HIDOE's CEP pilot program, visit http://bit.ly/1Kh8SL1.

HIDOE's School Food Services Branch has a website that will provide families at schools that are not in the CEP program with the option to submit applications for Free and Reduced-Price Meal Benefits online. For more information visit http://bit.ly/1VX1OID.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1)  mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue,

SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2)  fax: (202) 690-7442; or

(3)  email: program.intake@usda.gov.