This report examines how Texas school districts are evaluating and implementing the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federal program that allows schools to provide free meals to all students. Drawing on interviews, survey data, and policy analysis, it finds that while CEP is widely recognized as an effective tool for reducing children’s food insecurity, increasing meal participation, and eliminating social stigma, adoption across Texas remains uneven.

The primary driver of district decision-making is not eligibility, but financial feasibility. Although recent federal policy changes have expanded eligibility by lowering the Identified Student Percentage (ISP) threshold to 25 percent, many districts, particularly those in the moderate ISP range – face funding gaps because federal reimbursement does not fully cover the cost of providing meals. Districts with higher ISPs tend to operate CEP sustainably, while those near the eligibility threshold often fear financial strain or opt out entirely.

Overall, CEP is both a proven solution and an underutilized opportunity. Expanding participation will require coordinated policy action to address the gap between eligibility and sustainability, particularly through improvements to federal reimbursement, strengthened data systems, and additional state-level support.