Ossining School District Announces Updates to School Meal Program

The Ossining Union Free School District (Ossining UFSD) is pleased to announce a significant enhancement to its school meal programs for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. As part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, the district will implement the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), ensuring that every enrolled student has access to nutritious breakfast and lunch options at no cost to their households.

Starting October 10th, healthy meals will be accessible to all students in the Ossining School District without the need for payment or application. The groundbreaking initiative aligns with the district’s commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences and support to its students and families.

According to No Kid Hungry NY, countless children across New York State miss out on breakfast and lunch due to financial constraints, despite not meeting the eligibility criteria for free meals set by federal poverty guidelines. However, the CEP program eliminates those barriers to participation, and ensures that every child can enjoy nutritious meals during their school day.

"We are excited to implement the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2023-2024 school year. This initiative not only ensures that our students have access to nutritious meals but also simplifies the process for our families. It's a testament to our ongoing commitment to both financial responsibility and the well-being of our students," said Alita McCoy Zuber, Assistant Superintendent for Business.

The program will cover breakfast and lunch for all students, creating a more equitable and inclusive school experience. While the main meals are provided free of charge, it's important to note that payment will still be required for second meals and a la carte items.

Additionally, the district is working diligently to calculate and refund all reimbursable meals posted to students' accounts since the start of the current school year. Parents and guardians will receive notifications regarding any refunds owed to them in due time.

For further inquiries or assistance, please reach out to Starr Dinio, Assistant Business Administrator, at 914-941-7700 ext. 1395 or via email at sdinio@ossiningufsd.org.