AASA Submits Comments on USDA to Lower CEP Eligibility Threshold

Yesterday, AASA in partnership with ASBO, submitted comments in support of USDA's proposed rule to lower the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) eligibility threshold from 40 to 25. As longtime supporters of CEP, we commended USDA for its work to expand the program but acknowledged that many districts will continue to face financial barriers to participation without the increase of the multiplier as well. (Which only Congress has the authority to change). 

We also highlighted the impact of CEP expansion on Free and Reduced Priced Lunch (FRPL) data and encouraged USDA and its partners to work to assess alternatives to FRPL data that are reliable, accurate and do not place the burden of collection on school districts. Read full comments here.