Some Pasco schools may no longer qualify for free meal programs

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — The Pasco County School District says big changes are on the way for its Community Eligibility Provision regarding free school lunches.

For several years, Pasco County Schools has not charged for school breakfast and lunch under the federal CEP Program.

But changes to funding and rising costs have forced changes in the district that will require some students to start purchasing school meals.

Beginning with the new school year in August, only schools in high-poverty areas will qualify for free school breakfast and lunch.

Students attending schools that no longer qualify for CEP benefits will need to fill out an application online to determine if they qualify for free and reduced school meals.

Pasco Schools Food and Nutrition Services Director Stephanie Spicknall says the changes will not impact any students that are in need of free or reduced meals, regardless of the school’s CEP status.

“The non-CEP areas, students that attend those sites that need assistance, all they have to do is complete the free and reduced application and as long as they meet those eligibility requirements for their household size and their family income, they will get a letter from us that states that they are on a free or reduced lunch for the school year,” said Spicknall.

Pasco Schools is encouraging all parents to check their students’ schools for CEP status before the school year starts, and to fill out an application to determine if their students will continue receiving free or reduced-price meals, or if they will need to load money into the students account for meals.

The first week of school will serve as a grace period for students, but after that, students not qualifying for CEP will be charged on their online accounts.

View more information on CEP schools and fill out a free and reduced meal application.