Resource Library

Because school districts using CEP no longer collect meal applications at all schools, states have developed alternative data sources for assessing the poverty level of schools. The main approaches are described in this chart.

Geared to help summer food sponsors who are working to improve the quality of meals they serve to children, this guide outlines three key strategies to improve meal quality: strengthening contract language, improving vendor communication, and increasing competition on a bid. It also contains tips to help anti-hunger advocates work with sponsors on this important challenge.

This brief, which contains the most recent data available, explains the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child Nutrition Division policies regarding eligibility for free school meals for certain homeless, migrant, runaway, and foster students; addresses frequently asked questions about implementing these policies; and offers tools to ensure that these students can access food both inside and outside of school.

The report, by FRAC and the National Association of Elementary School Principals, provides guidance for principals interested in implementing Breakfast in the Classroom at their schools, and insights into the leadership they can provide to build a strong and sustainable program.

This brief outlines the benefits of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), describes CEP works, and includes key steps to adopting CEP.

This brief describes one of the key simplifications of community eligibility: participating schools no longer collect school meal applications. Eliminating applications reduces the administrative burden on school districts and reduces paperwork for parents struggling to put food on the table.

This brief reviews a variety of strategies proposed in the context of SNAP and dietary quality. It includes a review of SNAP participant characteristics, benefit redemption patterns, and purchasing habits. It summarizes the research on SNAP’s role in dietary quality, obesity, and other health outcomes, such as food insecurity.

This toolkit, from FRAC and the AARP Foundation, offers practical tips and examples to help organizations of all sizes address food insecurity in all types of communities with a goal of increasing senior SNAP participation. The toolkit walks through the basics of SNAP, and then provides practical resources to help organizations craft successful programs of education, outreach, and application assistance. It includes real examples of collateral and messages that have worked in communities across the nation, and offers strategies on how to measure success.

This report highlights the experiences of 105 secondary school principals from 67 districts that have integrated breakfast as a part of the school day by implementing a breakfast after the bell program, and provides insights into program benefits and best practices regarding how to launch a similar program. From the Food Research & Action Center and National Association of Secondary School Principals.

State agencies can implement innovative state policies and initiatives to enhance Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) nutrition standards in child-care settings through guidelines and recognition programs, supported by training and technical assistance.

Information on how states can use “categorical eligibility” (Cat El) rules to raise the gross income threshold for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). States may pursue broad-based Cat El through state SNAP agency or state legislative action.

Information on how states can dramatically increase participation in the School Breakfast Program through legislation that requires certain schools — typically high-poverty schools — to serve free breakfast in the classroom to everyone.

Information on how states can choose “categorical eligibility” (Cat El) rules to raise or eliminate the federal asset test in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). States may pursue broad-based Cat El through state SNAP agency or state legislative action.

Search FRAC’s CEP database* to determine which schools in your community or state are eligible or near-eligible for the CEP.

Information on how state agencies and their community nonprofit and local government partners can receive matching federal funds to create and implement Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
outreach plans.