FREE Meals for All Students at Hickory Public Schools in the 2023-2024 School Year
Hickory Public Schools (HPS) is participating in a district-wide Community Eligibility Program (CEP) pilot program during the 2023-2024 school year.
What does this mean for families with HPS students? No need to worry about the cost of meals at school! The HPS school nutrition program will provide FREE breakfast and FREE lunch to all students. Students can participate in these meal programs without paying a fee or applying for meal benefits. Students will still be able to purchase A La Carte items in their school cafeteria to supplement their meal choices and cater to their preferences. Students that bring their lunch can also get a complimentary meal from their school cafeteria to help supplement the needs of a growing student. School Nutrition Director Kristen Bealler, SNS, states, “The participation of our students in our cafeterias is vital to continuing the CEP district-wide for years to come.”
A complete breakfast meal consists of (1) entree, (1) milk, and (2) servings of fruit/100% fruit juice. A complete lunch meal consists of (1) an entree with bread/grain, (1) milk, (2) servings of fruit, and (2) servings of vegetables. Students must select a fruit or vegetable along with two other items for the school meal to be complete. Bealler also stated, “The HPS School Nutrition Program is always looking at ways to elevate our meal service offerings for our customers. Currently, many homemade items, such as lasagna, baked spaghetti, and nachos, along with many favorites ranging from retro pizza to mandarin orange chicken, are available.”
Students with Unique Mealtime Needs can also participate in these programs; however, they will have to have a completed 2023-2024 medical statement from their physician for the meals to be covered. Medical statements can be found on the HPS School Nutrition page.
Visit our School Nutrition page for program information, updates, and menus closer to the start of the school year.