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Press Release: Somerset County Public Schools Implementing The Community Eligibility Provision District-Wide

Event Is Set For 10:30 A.M. Tomorrow In Westover, MD

For Immediate Release                                       

Contact: William Reinhard, 410-767-0486, Bruce Schenkel, 410-767-0225 


Baltimore, MD (August 27, 2014)

The Maryland State Department of Education is pleased to announce that Somerset County Public Schools will be the first public school system in the State to implement the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) district-wide in School Year 2014-15. 

The CEP is a component of the 2010 Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act that allows eligible schools to serve nutritious school meals, free of charge, to all students.  Somerset County joins schools in Washington and Howard Counties, as well as the SEED School of Maryland and Cedar Ridge Children’s Home in implementing CEP.

“The leadership demonstrated by Somerset County Public Schools is a model for districts across the State,” said State Superintendent of Schools, Lillian Lowery.  “Through CEP, all Somerset students will have access to nutritious school meals, ensuring they are ready to learn.”

  • A celebratory event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday) at Somerset Intermediate School in Westover, Maryland.
  • Attendees include Dr. Lillian Lowery, State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. John Gaddis, Superintendent of Somerset County Public Schools, Mr. James Harmon, U.S. Department of Agriculture Special Nutrition Programs Director for the Mid-Atlantic Region, and former NFL running back, Brian Mitchell.  The event will focus on how CEP benefits the entire community. 

For more information on CEP, contact Bruce Schenkel, Program Specialist in the Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs, at bruce.schenkel@maryland.gov or (410) 767-0225.

The Maryland State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are equal opportunity providers and employers.



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