CEP Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is CEP? Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a USDA program that allows school districts to

     serve all students in eligible schools a free breakfast and lunch.

2. When does it start? Irving ISD students in Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School will have

    access to a free breakfast and lunch starting with the first day of school.

3. Do parents have to fill out a meal application to qualify for CEP? No, parents of students in Early

    Childhood, Elementary and Middle Schools will NOT have to fill out a meal application.

4. Do I have to complete a meal application for my child in High School? Yes, parents of High School

    students will have to complete a meal application if they want to be considered for meal benefits.

    Applications can be completed online or on a paper application. Paper applications are available at all

    high schools and the Food Service Center. When completing applications for your high school

    student, every person in the household must be included on the application, even students that will

    receive free meals through the CEP program.

5. I have never qualified for meal benefits in the past due to my family’s income. Will my child be

    eligible to receive free meals also? Yes, all Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School students,

    regardless of a parent’s ability to pay, will be eligible to receive a free breakfast and lunch meal.

6. Will High Schools be on the program next year? We are working on qualifying high schools for the

     CEP program, but they will not be on it this year.

7. If I have money on my Elementary child’s meal account, should I request a refund? No, you do not

    have to request a refund. The funds on your child’s account may be used to purchase healthy a la

    carte snacks or an additional entrée or food item. Profits from a la carte sales are used to support the

    “Snacks for Success” daytime snacks provided to all elementary students, free of charge. The funds in

     your child’s account may also be transferred to another of your children with a meal account at Irving

    ISD. Funds on meal accounts will roll over year to year, so you do not need to worry about losing the

    money on their account.

8. Can students take more than one meal? One free complete breakfast and lunch will be provided to

    each student. Additional meals/entrees or snacks may be purchased.

9. What if my child wants the entrée or just one item from the breakfast or lunch line? Students 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.

For more information, please call the Food and Nutrition Services Center at 972-600-6900