All Liverpool Students to Receive Free Breakfast, Lunch for 2023-2024

The Liverpool Central School District Food Service Program is pleased to announce that all district schools will participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) grant program during the 2023-2024 school year.

Beginning the first day of school (September 7), EVERY STUDENT ENROLLED IN THE DISTRICT will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day regardless of the family’s household income. Milk is free with a full meal. This program is for students ONLY. 

“School lunch is critical for student health, well-being and learning,” said LCSD School Lunch Director Annette Marchbanks. “Full participation in the CEP grant program will help students reduce their food insecurity, improve their dietary intake, impact childhood obesity rates, and lead to better learning environments.”

The free breakfast and lunch will be added to every student’s “My School Bucks” account each day. Once those meals have been claimed, students have the ability to purchase additional items. Purchasing just milk will cost 70 cents, and an extra lunch entree will cost $2.25. All full second meal will cost $3.00 for elementary and middle school students and $3.20 for high school students. Smart snacks also will be available for purchase.

Families can add funds to their “My School Bucks” account by cash or check in any dollar amount (please make checks payable to Liverpool Central School District) or by using the MySchoolBucks Web site. You will need your child’s student identification number (not the pin number used at the register). 

Previously, only six Liverpool CSD schools qualified for free meals under the grant, however a new funding provision included in this year’s New York State budget allows all Liverpool CSD schools to participate for the 2023-2024 school year. 

As part of the program, families will be asked to complete a CEP Household Income Eligibility Form, which can be found online. This is not mandatory, however, completion of this form will help the District maximize the amount of state and federal aid that it receives, thereby maximizing resources available to students. It also could qualify some students for additional services, such as discounted or free college courses and college applications at the high school level.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact the Food Service Department at 315-622-7172.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the CEP Program?

A: The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is an alternative way to serve universal free breakfast and lunch to all students in schools. It is part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. LCSD participates in this program each year.

Q: Why are all Liverpool Central School District schools now able to participate in the CEP Program?

A: All district schools are eligible due to new funding provision in this year’s NYS budget. In addition, all schools have an Identified Student Percentage of 40 percent or higher according to building level data. An Identified Student refers to any student that is certified for free meals by any means other than the submission of individual paper applications, such as SNAP and Medicaid.

Q: What are the advantages of participation?

A: In addition to all students receiving free breakfast and lunch, participation will remove the stigma that can be associated with being eligible for free and reduced meals as well as improve nutrition to students at risk. In addition, many working families on the cusp of receiving free and reduced meals will no longer have to worry about paying for their child(ren)’s school meals.

Q: What impact does this program have on school taxes?

A: There is no impact on school taxes. The LCSD Food Service Department’s budget is self-sustaining and separate from the annual school budget voted on by taxpayers each year.

Q: What if I have questions about the forms I need to fill out for my students?

A: Please contact the Food Service Department at 315-622-7172. They will be able to assist you with any questions or paperwork.