The Coffee County School Board meeting on June 5, 2025, featured a significant presentation on the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, aimed at providing free meals to students in high-poverty areas. Miss Cotton, who led the presentation, explained that CEP allows schools to offer free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students without requiring household applications, simplifying access to nutrition for families in need.

To qualify for CEP, schools must meet a specific identified student percentage (ISP), which is calculated based on the number of students who automatically qualify for free meals through state programs. Coffee County Schools reported an ISP of 50.67%, well above the required 25%, allowing all schools in the district to participate in the program for the next four years.

The financial implications of the program were also discussed. The reimbursement for meals is calculated using a multiplier based on the ISP, with 81% of meals expected to be reimbursed at the federal free rate. However, schools must cover any potential funding shortages with non-federal funds. Miss Cotton expressed confidence in the district's ability to manage costs, noting a sufficient fund balance to support the program initially.

In addition to the CEP discussion, the meeting highlighted the success of a recent summer feeding initiative, where nearly 1,000 meals were distributed in a single day. This program aims to continue throughout the summer, providing essential nutrition to students when school is not in session.

The board's support for the CEP program was evident, with plans to evaluate its financial viability after the first year of implementation. The overall goal is to ensure that all Coffee County students have access to nutritious meals, thereby promoting their health and well-being.