WDE Seeks Waiver for Extension of Community Eligibility Provision Deadlines

CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) has submitted a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) to extend the current Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) deadlines. The extension of the CEP deadlines is in response to the recovery of the pandemic to allow school districts time to collect the necessary data to participate in CEP for SY 2022–23.

The request to extend the CEP deadlines is expected to assist school districts in making the decision to participate in CEP for the next four years. Due to previous USDA waivers school districts have not collected the data to determine the election of CEP. The waiver will provide sufficient time for districts to collect the necessary data to make the CEP determination.

If the waiver is approved, the Wyoming Department of Education CNP will provide detailed information and instructions for National School Lunch (NSLP) and School Breakfast (NSBP) sponsors on the new timelines of the waiver.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

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Media Contact:
Linda Finnerty, Communications Director
307-777-2053
linda.finnerty@wyo.gov