Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Education announced the availability of federal child nutrition programs for the 2024-2025 school year. All public schools in Vermont, and many independent schools, participate in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Because of Vermont’s universal meals law, these schools can offer free meals through either the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), or Provision 2.
This year, many more locations qualify to offer free after school snacks and meals through area-eligibility. Vermont’s participation in the Medicaid direct certification demonstration project has improved data sharing, and a recent federal rule change makes it easier for schools to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision.
These two factors have made more towns eligible to offer free afterschool snacks and meals. More towns will also be eligible to have free open meal sites next summer. After School Programs and non-profit organizations that have not previously offered the federal child nutrition programs are encouraged to learn more.
Many childcare centers, family day care homes, and some adult day centers also offer meals through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Some of these programs offer free meals to all attendees based on the demographics of the site.
A few programs do not offer meals to everyone. These include five independent schools that charge for meals in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, some CACFP programs, and some schools participating in the After School Snack Service.
At these locations, participants whose household income falls below the child nutrition income eligibility guidelines, or who are categorically eligible through other programs can qualify for free or reduced-price meals or snacks. Examples of categorically eligible participants include those that:
- Receive 3SquaresVT or Reach Up
- Participate in Head Start
- Are part of the Migrant Education Program
- Receive services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act or the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act
- Are in state-placed foster care
These guidelines are effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
1. mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email:
[email protected]
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
About the Vermont Agency of Education
The Agency of Education implements state and federal laws, policies, and regulations to ensure all Vermont learners have equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities. The Agency accomplishes this mission through the provision of its leadership, support, and oversight of Vermont’s public education system.
Connect with the Vermont Agency of Education education.vermont.gov
Source: 10.2.2024. Montpelier, VT- The Vermont Agency of Education
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