School Meals are Free for the 2024-2025 School Year

We are excited to share that all Watertown Public Schools will participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) this year. As a CEP district, all students will receive breakfast and lunch at no charge, regardless of household income, eliminating the need for free and reduced meal applications.

• Although complete meals will be free for all students, students must select three items, one of which must be a fruit or a vegetable.
• Allergy accommodations can be made with advanced communication and medical documentation.
• Questions? Call our School Nutrition Department office at 617-926-7756

What to know about School Meals and Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)

What is the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)?
The Community Eligibility Provision is an equity-based federal reimbursement program for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. CEP allows the district to serve all students complete meals at no cost regardless of household income.

What does CEP mean for my student(s)?
All students will continue to receive a complete breakfast and lunch at no cost.

What is a complete meal?
A complete meal must include a fruit or vegetable, and two other items: the choice of meat, grain, milk, fruit or vegetable. Students can decline two of the five items at lunch but must have a fruit or vegetable. Students can decline one item at breakfast but need to have a fruit or vegetable on their tray.

Do I have to fill out a Free and Reduced Meals Application?
No, as a district participating in CEP we no longer accept meal applications. FNS can no longer supply income eligibility letters. Please reach out to your family liaison for other forms of income eligibility.

SNAP INFORMATION:

If you are not receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and have been approved for free school meals, you may be eligible for SNAP which provides monthly financial assistance to purchase groceries to Massachusetts residents who qualify. Find out if you are eligible for SNAP today by calling Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 and a counselor can help you apply over the phone. You can also apply on your own online at DTA Connect: https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/apply