Union County Public Schools (UCPS) is committed to keeping parents informed about program changes for the upcoming school year. The following is an update regarding school nutrition meal applications and price changes.
Since Sept. 2020, school districts around the state have been allowed to operate under the Universal Free Meal program which allowed all students to receive free meals. This USDA waiver was expanded in response to COVID.
UCPS was informed in June 2022 that COVID meal waivers have expired and the federal government will not renew meals at no cost to all students for the 2022-2023 school year.
With this change, breakfast or lunch meals are no longer free for students enrolled in Union County Public Schools for the 2022-2023 school year. All parents are encouraged to complete free and reduced meal applications before the first day of school.
In addition, the cost of goods has increased due to shortages, and there are increases in prices for proteins, fruits and vegetables and general operational supplies.
Here are the meal prices for the 2022-2023 school year:
|
|
Paid Breakfast 2022-2023 |
Reduced Breakfast 2022-2023 |
Paid Lunch 2022-2023 |
Reduced Lunch 2022-2023 |
|
Elementary/Middle Schools |
$ 1.75 |
No cost |
$3.75 |
No cost |
|
High Schools |
$ 1.75 |
No cost |
$3.85 |
No cost |
|
UCPS Employees** |
a la carte |
|
a la carte |
|
|
Visiting Child |
a la carte |
|
a la carte |
|
|
Visiting Adult |
a la carte |
|
a la carte |
|
Here’s what you need to know about meal applications:
- School Nutrition Services will begin accepting Free and Reduced Meal applications, beginning July 1.
- Breakfast and lunch account charges will begin on the first day of school, which is Aug. 29 for schools on the traditional calendar and Aug. 3 for Union County Early College.
- If a parent feels that he or she may qualify for free or reduced-priced meals, they should complete an application. Parents will need their child/children’s name, school name(s), student ID numbers and information about your total household income.
- If you need a paper copy of the meal application, call 704-296-3000.
- If you do not have access to a computer, you may complete the meal application at your child’s school during specified hours.
- Walter Bickett Elementary, East Elementary and South Providence School will remain eligible for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Students at these schools will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch.
- For additional information about School Nutrition Services, visit https://ucpsschoolnutritionservices.com/ or @UCPSNutrition on social media.
07/11/2022
