What does CEP mean?
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) means your school has qualified for ONE breakfast and ONE lunch at no charge for EACH student in the district EVERY school day.
Do I need to fill out an application for my student to receive a free breakfast and lunch?
No. HOWEVER, ALL FAMILIES need to fill out a Household Income Form (HIF). One form per household should be filled out. Use this link to fill out the form. Paper copies are available at your child's school.
Why do I need to fill out the Household Income Form if my family does not receive additional benefits?
This form impacts other departments and programs in the district, such as eRate funding, grant applications, and pupil funding. The information gathered through the HIF is completely confidential.
Why is being a CEP district good for our schools?
Striving to make 100% of our students transition ready and ensuring that EVERY child reaches their maximum learning potential are foundational to the Kenton County School District. National data indicates that CEP schools benefitted with higher attendance rates and improved student performance. Being certain that hunger is not a barrier to learning and removing the cost of school meals from the concerns of families are significant steps in the efforts to make these goals a reality.
How does a school become a CEP school?
Schools become eligible for CEP when 25% of their students are identified in classifications within the Identified Student Percentage (ISP). These areas of identification include: Medicaid, foster care placement, homeless, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). For the 2025-2026 school year, all KCSD schools have reached or exceeded the 25% threshold, therefore qualifying our district for full CEP eligibility.
If a student attends Ignite, will that student still receive a free breakfast and lunch?
Yes.
Are student meal accounts (in My School Bucks) still needed?
Yes. While a free breakfast and lunch meal for each student are provided through CEP, a la carte items and additional meals ARE NOT FREE. Students are also still responsible for prior charges that are still on their accounts from previous school years.
A la carte items, second meals, and old charges can be paid with cash or a check, or money can be loaded into students’ My School Bucks accounts. Follow this link to My School Bucks: https://www.kenton.kyschools.us/departments/student-nutrition-department Please note: My School Bucks charges a convenience fee.
If my student packs her lunch but decides she would like what is being served on a particular day, will she still be able to go through the serving line to get a free school lunch as well?
Yes, your student can get a COMPLETE meal at no charge. If only an individual item is wanted, for example milk, this item needs to be purchased as an a la carte item.
What if I do not want my student to get a meal from the school cafeteria?
The district will not deny a child a meal if the child goes through the serving line. Therefore, if you do not want your student to get lunch from school, then you must email the kitchen manager. A note can be added to the student’s account stating the parent/guardian does not want the child to eat school food. A directory of school kitchen managers is found on our Student Nutrition page.
Are only certain entrees on the menu free entrees?
No. Students can choose whichever ONE entree they want that day.
What is a complete meal?
A complete meal must include at least one fruit or vegetable and at least two other items/components.
