Breakfast & Lunch Menus
Every student has access to breakfast and lunch at no cost to families! This means that parents and guardians do not have to worry about lunch account balances or packing lunches, ensuring every student has the opportunity to sit down and have a balanced meal. This is because Waterloo Schools participates in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) in schools. All of our schools meet the reimbursement formula to qualify for a no-cost breakfast and lunch. This allows all of our students across Waterloo Schools to enjoy two free healthy and nourishing meals twice a day, without the need to fill out any paperwork or meet any qualification guidelines.
Please be aware that families may still be responsible for a la carte food items such as extra milk, extra entrees, and extra side items, which are more popular in upper grade levels.
School breakfasts are made up of four components: an entree which counts as two components, a fruit and a milk.
Students are required to take three of these components including one that is a half cup of fruit/juice for the meal to qualify as an approved “school breakfast.”
School lunches are made up of five components: a meat/meat alternate, bread/grain, fruit, vegetable and a milk.
Students are required to take three of these components including one that is a half-cup of fruit or vegetables for the meal to count as an approved “school lunch.”
Encouraging Students to Try New Fruits and Vegetables . The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) provides a variety of free, fresh fruit and vegetable snacks to children at eligible elementary schools. A USDA study found that FFVP students eat more fruits and vegetables than students who do not participate in the program. Schools deliver FFVP snacks along with bite-sized nutrition lessons. This encourages children to try new foods, learn about seasonal produce, and set healthy eating habits to last a lifetime. FFVP also encourages schools to work with partners at the state and local level to support the program. Since the program began in 2008, public and private partnerships have contributed to program success and offering healthier snacks in schools. All of our elementary schools are in FFV program. Enrolled except Orange and Poyner Elementary Schools.