Department Of Agriculture Serves Free Food To Glen Cove Students

Landing School students recently enjoyed grilled cheese, fresh salad, turkey sandwiches and other delicious meals for lunch — at no cost to their families — thanks to the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service’s Community Eligibility Provision.

In fact, this year all district students in grades K-5 are receiving free lunch and breakfast thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision, a nonpricing meal service option for schools and school districts. This provision allows districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications.

According to Food Services Manager Kim Coopersmith, the grant is for a duration of four years. The goal is to be able to offer the program to all district students, and so far, the students love it.

“The food is good and it’s easier because we don’t have to wait a long time to pay, we just have to put our code in,” fifth-grader ZyAaire Mejia said.

Enhancing the district’s lunch program was a conversation that began with the nutrition committee and continued with the nutrition and wellness committee. Committee members visited other districts to learn about their programs, ultimately learning about the Community Eligibility Provision and sharing the information to the benefit of the students.

Photo Captions:

1. Landing School student Ezequiel Rodriguez (foreground) selected a hot dog for lunch. Joseph Leftwich is also pictured.
2. Landing School fifth-grader Janelle Miller smiles as she picked up her lunch.
3. Landing School students (from left): Juliette Pesantez, Michelle Pinilla and Rose Tursi waited on the lunch line together.
4. Landing School students (from left): Kay’Den Grier, Josue Amaya, Andon Esteves and Owen Hall enjoyed lunch together at school.

Story, Photos courtesy of the Glen Cove City School District