Carlynton students to receive free lunch, breakfasts again

School breakfast and lunch will be free to all Carlynton students when classes begin Aug. 21.

The district will participate in the National School Lunch Program’s Community Eligibility Provision this school year, said Ryan Racicot, Carlynton’s food service director.

It’s the third consecutive year Carlynton is participating in the program.

CEP offers a meal service option for districts in areas considered economically disadvantaged, allowing them to provide breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students at no cost without the need for household applications.

“This program ensures that every student has the opportunity to receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch every day,” Racicot said.

There are about 1,334 students enrolled in the district this year.

“The district becomes eligible based on the number of categorically eligible students whose households participate in certain means-tested benefit programs, such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families,)” Racicot said. “The district receives reimbursement at a rate determined by the percentage of students who are automatically eligible for free meals.”

The cost of a high school lunch would have been $2.65, while breakfast would have cost $1.30 per student.

The district’s food service management company is Aramark Student Nutrition.

Breakfast is available in the classroom at Carnegie Elementary every day, Racicot said. Crafton Elementary provides a “Grab and Go” breakfast once students arrive for the day. The high school offers a choice of “Grab and Go” or hot breakfast options.

The district posts menus and nutritional details on its website.