Are students able to take individual food items or must they take a full meal?

HCPSS is currently participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture National School Lunch Program for the 2021-2022 school year. Through this program, all school meals are free for students as long as HCPSS adheres to the requirements of the program. As part of the program, all students must be offered a full meal in order for the school system to receive federal reimbursement. 

A full meal is composed of meat and meat alternate, two servings of a fruit and vegetable, grains, and a serving of milk or juice. Under USDA guidelines, students must select a fruit or a vegetable at each meal, and must take at least three items for the meal to qualify as reimbursable.

HCPSS is not currently offering individual meal items for sale as it would result in slower food service and require greater contact between students and food services staff.