Food & Nutrition
The Food & Nutrition Services Department is a self-supporting federal program that receives federal and state reimbursement for meals served to students. No local funds are used to support the Food Service Program. Over 200 professionals take pride in serving over 18,000 customers daily in 43 schools and 7 senior citizen sites. Breakfast, lunch, and a wide variety of á la carte items are available daily in every school.
It is the mission of the food service team to prepare and serve nutritious and appealing meals that meet the dietary guidelines to students, staff, and community in a positive, cheerful manner, while maintaining financial soundness, and contributing to the quality and excellence of the educational experience. The nutrition standard is based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Food Guide Pyramid.
- The nutritional value of the meals will be evaluated over a week period, rather than a single meal or food item.
- Student meals will contain adequate calories and a variety of foods to support growth, development, and healthy weight.
- Foods will be prepared in ways that ensure a balance between optimal nutritional quality and student preferences.
- Student and parent preferences and input will be considered in menu planning.
- Purchasing practices will ensure the use of high quality ingredients and prepared products to maximize acceptance.
- Nutritional education will be an integral part of the curriculum. The school cafeteria will serve as a laboratory for applying knowledge and skills taught in the classroom.
- In-service and professional development opportunities will be provided for school food service personnel.
Meal Prices
The price of lunch is $1.95 for elementary students and $2.20 for secondary students, or $.40 for all students eligible for free or reduced priced meals. Lunch for staff is $3.35 and parents and visitors may purchase a lunch for $3.70. Breakfast is $1.15 for all grade levels and is free for students receiving free or reduced priced meal benefits Breakfast for staff, parents and visitors is $2.15.
Free and Reduced Priced Meals
Children from households earning less than 185% of the federal poverty level are eligible for free or reduced priced meals in are eligible for free or reduced priced meals in the National School Lunch and the School Breakfast programs. Applications are mailed to the homes of all students at the beginning of the year. Additional forms are available in each school office or at the Central Office on Commonwealth Avenue, Hagerstown.
A NEW APPLICATION must be filled out and processed by the Food & Nutrition Services Office each school year in order for benefits to continue. A Benefit Application can be requested by emailing Cherrie Williams. Applications can be returned to the child’s school or mailed to:
Food & Nutrition Services
P.O. Box 730
Hagerstown, MD 21741-0730.
The Free and Reduced Meal Service (FARMS) application takes about five minutes to complete.
Contact Us
Suggestions or questions about the school food service program are welcome. Please call 301-766-2890 for more information.
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WCPS at a Glance
Schools | Qty |
| Elementary Schools | 27 |
| Middle Schools | 7 |
| Middle-High Schools | 1 |
| High Schools | 7 |
| Outdoor Education Center | 1 |
| Special Education Center | 1 |
| Technical High School | 1 |
| Evening High School | 1 |
Staff | Qty |
| Education Support Staff | 1,123 |
| Teachers | 1,752 |
| Administration | 182 |
Source: WCPS Office of Information Services (1/23/12)
