Eligibility

The Identified Student Percentage (ISP) determines eligibility to participate in the CEP and is also the basis of federal reimbursements for meals served to students in CEP schools. As required by 7 CFR 245.9(f)(3)(i), the minimum ISP is 25 percent. To be eligible for the CEP, an individual school, group of schools, or local educational agency (LEA) must have an ISP greater than or equal to 25 percent as of April 1 of the school year prior to implementing the CEP.

On behalf of the LEA, all public and private school food authorities (SFAs) of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) must enter the three data elements used to calculate CEP eligibility into the CSDE's CNP System. These data must be submitted by close of business on April 10, 2026, even if the LEA does not currently participate or does not intend to participate in the CEP. These data elements serve as a notice of CEP eligibility and near eligibility to LEAs and schools.

For information on the requirements for CEP data collection and the three data elements, refer to CSDE Operational Memorandum No. 07-26: Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Annual Notification Requirement for all Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) Participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) Due April 10, 2026. Note: Residential child care institutions (RCCIs) and Special Milk Program (SMP) sponsors are not eligible to participate in the CEP and are exempt from this requirement.

Data Collection and Submission

• CSDE Operational Memorandum No. 07-26: Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Annual Notification Requirement for all Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) Participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) Due April 10, 2026. 
• CSDE Guide: CEP Data Collection Guidance for School-level Eligibility

Eligible LEAs and Schools

• 2026-27
  • List of Eligible and Near-eligible Connecticut LEAs (Districts) (CSDE)   
  • List of Eligible and Near-eligible Connecticut Schools (CSDE) 
• 2025-26
  • List of Eligible and Near-eligible Connecticut LEAs (Districts) (CSDE)   
  • List of Eligible and Near-eligible Connecticut Schools (CSDE) 
• 2024-25
  • List of Eligible and Near-eligible Connecticut LEAs (Districts) (CSDE)   
  • List of Eligible and Near-eligible Connecticut Schools (CSDE) 
• 2023-24
  • List of Eligible and Near-eligible Connecticut LEAs (Districts) (CSDE)   
  • List of Eligible and Near-eligible Connecticut Schools (CSDE) 
  • List of Eligible Connecticut Schools with ISP of At Least 25 Percent (CSDE)

Approved Districts and Schools 

• List of Approved Districts and Schools School Year 2025-26 (CSDE)
• List of Approved Districts and Schools School Year 2024-25 (CSDE)
• List of Approved Districts and Schools School Year 2023-24 (CSDE)
• List of Approved Districts and Schools School Year 2022-23 (CSDE)
• List of Approved Districts and Schools School Year 2021-22 (CSDE)
• List of Approved Districts and Schools School Year 2020-21 (CSDE)
• List of Approved Districts and Schools School Year 2019-20 (CSDE)