Here is what CMS families need to know to get free, reduced lunches

CHARLOTTE — Ensuring that all students are fed will be a bit more challenging when Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools return to the classroom on Aug. 28.

“This year, we are jumping from 68 to 111 (Community Eligibility Provision) eligible schools,” said Catherine Essick, the CMS executive director of School Nutrition.

CEP schools qualify to serve all students breakfast and lunch at no charge.

The U.S. Department of Education determines that qualification based on the number of students who receive Social Security benefits, who are homeless, or are in foster care.

“And now Medicaid is a qualifying factor,” said Essick.

However, serving students at CEP schools is not as much of a concern for Essick as it is at CMS’ 72 non-CEP schools.

Parents there must apply for their children to receive free and reduced lunch.

“If we can get your application in prior to school starting, that just makes things easier for everybody,” Essick said.

Students will still get fed but their parents must pay.

“We will certainly feed them, but we will charge the student’s account and we will request payment from the parent,” Essick said.

It is not just about serving meals.

For the district to be reimbursed the $4.30-per-student cost, the district must adhere to a specific menu.

“We have certain calorie requirements,” said Susan Bond, registered dietician. “We have to meet certain sodium, fat levels for our K-8.”

The district’s School Nutrition Services is encouraging parents and students to download the app Nutrislice.

VIDEO: South Carolina school districts already back to school

South Carolina school districts already back to school

©2023 Cox Media Group