By Patrick Robinson

U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Kevin Concannon visited West Seattle Elementary school on Tuesday March 24, to observe successes the school has had with the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and a focus on local foods.

It was part of a trip to Seattle where he also visited Highline College in Des Moines, Wa., where he announced that Washington State will receive $22 million over the next three years to help unemployed food assistance recipients find well-paying jobs.

Under Secretary Concannon was joined by College administrators, state government officials, business leaders, and others in announcing that Washington, along with several other states, has been selected for a program designed to test innovative ways to help the unemployed or underemployed transition off of government food assistance programs and compete for positions in today’s job market.

CEP, a provision of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, allows schools in high-poverty areas to offer all students school meals at no cost. Benefits include:
· Students have increased access to free, healthy school meals with no stigma, and less time spent in cashier lines and more time to eat.

· Schools enjoy a streamlined meal service operation, reduced paperwork and administrative costs, and more nourished students ready to learn.
Maintaining a focus on local foods, student meals regularly include items—local produce, whole grains and dairy—from Washington State.