Wichita Schools commits to reducing hunger by piloting universal meals

Wichita Public Schools knows that a universal meals program, also known as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), is the right direction for the district, especially due to the rising number of children who qualify for free or reduced meals. At a Board of Education meeting last fall, Wichita Public Schools committed to piloting universal meals this coming school year.

At the same Board of Education meeting, Lorie Gains, a mother of three and a businesswoman, shared her story. Though to many, it may seem that paying for school lunches wouldn’t be a burden for her family, but Lorie told us of the heavy expense of her daughter’s medications which impact her family’s ability to pay.

Many of us know what it’s like to be a single- or dual-parent family working hard to make ends meet each month. One more expense can be enough to make the heart constrict and raise blood pressure. A universal meals policy would allow every kid at the participating school or district to eat at no cost to the child or family. The Community Eligibility Provision exists to serve this purpose, with the potential to provide economic benefits for families as well as the district. In the 2018–19 school year, an estimated 80 schools with over 39,000 students in Wichita could qualify for CEP if they were grouped together.

“CEP programs reduce the stigma that kids who eat school lunch are poor; lessens administrative burden because the district is not required to collect, approve, and verify school meal applications; potentially simplifies counting and claiming meals at the point of service; and improves speed of service. CEP programs also can increase participation; reduce financial risk; eliminate or reduce unpaid meal balances and collections efforts; and reduce financial burden of parents/guardians to provide food for their children.

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The district is committed to pilot CEP at two elementary schools in 2020–21. The pilot will allow the district to work through enrollment and other potential challenges, assess impact on At-Risk Funds, and assess impact on student mobility.”

— Fabian Armendariz, Division Director of Operations for Wichita Public Schools, and David Paul, Nutrition Services Director, presented to the USD 259 Board of Education meeting on Oct. 21, 2019

It has been a nearly six-year journey to get to this pilot since the program became available in July 2014. Through powerful testimony and relentless advocacy, alongside community members and friends, Kansas Appleseed made sure the consistent need for universal meals in Wichita Schools and persistent conditions of poverty could not be ignored.

School districts are uniquely positioned to do more to help our community thrive by ensuring all our kids are getting access to a nutritious meal. Universal meals will help Wichita Schools extend its reach, give more children access to meals, and play a critical role in reducing hunger.

How you can show support:

Join Kansas Appleseed in ensuring the district follows through on its commitment. Let’s support their decision to move forward with this universal meals program and encourage them to expand the pilot to more than just two schools.

Other things you can do: Speak to why you think CEP is good for our schools in an op-ed or on social media, including the Wichita Schools’ Facebook page, supporting the pilot and encouraging expansion; talk to your friends, neighbors, and classmates to see if they’re interested in getting involved; canvass with us to grow a base of leaders and advocates for fighting hunger in Wichita and beyond.