Putnam Schools Expanding Free Meal Program

The number of Putnam County schools offering free meals to all students will increase this school year from seven to twelve.

School Nutrition Program Supervisor Jennifer Mitchell said those schools will be participating through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) which provides free meals to all students regardless of economic status. Mitchell said schools are eligible for CEP when at least a quarter of students receive assistance from federal programs like SNAP or TANF.

“Last fall the state allowed us to certify students who are eligible for Medicaid, to certify them for free meals,” Mitchell said. “So that increased our numbers at five additional schools, so we have a total of twelve that will be CEP this coming year.”

Mitchell said research has shown that access to school meals improves students’ diet quality and academic performance, as well as reducing food insecurity.

“Because, you know, parents or families are not having to send money for meals or not sending money for meals, they can spend that money now on other things they need at home, so it’s a benefit, a great benefit for families,” Mitchell said.

Schools now eligible for CEP are Avery Trace Middle, Baxter Primary, Burks Elementary, Cane Creek Elementary, Cornerstone Elementary, Jere Whitson Elementary, Monterey High, Northeast Elementary, Park View Elementary, Sycamore Elementary, Upperman Middle and White Plains Academy.

Mitchell said the Putnam County School Nutrition Program is completely self-sufficient and receives no funding from the county. Mitchell said the change will not have an impact on students’ lunch experience or any school’s food service operations.

“We just hope to see more participation,” Mitchell said. “More participation is the key to successful operation of CEP and our program.”