A recent decision from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) will mean changes to the free or reduced meal program at Newberg-Dundee Public Schools (NDPS). 

During the pandemic, all schools offered free meals. The ODE has recently chosen to return to a pre-pandemic rule called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). The CEP states that:

• If at least 40% of students in a school are eligible for the free or reduced meal program, then meals are provided free to all students in that school. 
• If the number of students who are eligible is less than 40%, meals are not provided to the whole school. 
• Eligible individual students can still participate in the free or reduced meal program. Please complete a form to join the program.

What does the CEP rule mean for NDPS?

• Catalyst: In 2023-24, by ODE rules, the only school in NDPS that will be able to provide meals free to all students will be Catalyst High School. At Catalyst, 42.06% of students qualify for the free or reduced meal program, according to ODE data.
• Edwards and Joan Austin: While close to the cutoff, both Edwards Elementary School (37.39%) and Joan Austin Elementary School (30.33%) will not qualify for free meals for every student in their school, according to ODE rules. Individual students can still apply for the program.
• All other schools: The other schools in the NDPS are in the 20% to 29% range and do not qualify for meals for every student in the school, according to ODE data.

Please note: Meals will be provided to individuals who are eligible and complete a form. We strongly encourage families to complete a form if they have children who qualify and their school will not be able to provide meals to every student. 

The ODE form for the 2023-24 school year was posted on the ODE website on July 1. If you’re uncertain whether your child qualifies for free or reduced meals, visit the ODE website. Submit your application online on the ODE website.