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JPS To Continue Offering No Cost Breakfast & Lunch Meals

July 25, 2024

lower elementary girl selecting fruit in lunch line

Through the school lunch program, scholars learn to make healthy choices to build balanced breakfast and lunch meals.

ÐÓ°É Public Schools Child Nutrition will continue serving breakfast and lunch meals at no cost to our scholars and their families. This program is made possible by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Seamless Summer Option extension of waivers during COVID-19.

Each school day, students will be offered healthy and satisfying meals. For breakfast, students may choose four components: the USDA recommends two bread choices or one bread and a meat alternate, fruit, and a dairy choice. For lunch, students can select up to five items, including a lean protein, two fruit or vegetable items, one bread, and a dairy choice.

School nutrition is an essential part of the school day. Experts say that to learn well, children must eat well. Quality foods provide them with the energy they need to grow, focus, and learn. Additionally, this is a learning experience that teaches scholars how to make healthy selections when putting together a meal.

"We are looking forward to seeing our scholars in school buildings again," said Marc Rowe, JPS Child Nutrition Executive Director. "We are working to provide safe service plans that work within each school environment. Our Child Nutrition teams are already involved in meal planning and preparing for our scholars' return. We understand our critical role in providing students and staff with healthy, satisfying meals daily."

The school year for JPS students begins on Monday, August 5.