Brewster To Offer Free Breakfast, Lunch To All Students

BREWSTER, NY — Brewster schools will offer school meals at no charge to all students starting Wednesday.

District officials said the United States Department of Agriculture had expanded access to the federal Community Eligibility Provision which allows eligible schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs to provide healthy school meals to all enrolled students at no cost to families.

Meal costs will now be reimbursed to the Brewster Central School District by the federal and state governments, officials said in their announcement Monday.

This program will provide students with one free breakfast and one free lunch daily.

"School meals are an opportunity to improve access to healthy food for all students," district officials said. "We are thrilled to participate in this program and look forward to providing nutritious meals that support good health for all of our students."

The district has posted an FAQ on its website, answering such questions as "Do I have to opt in?" No. All students will be automatically eligible Nov. 1.

Q: What if I already have money in my child(ren) account? Can I get it back?

A: Since snacks, beverages, and second meals are not covered by the CEP provision, it may be beneficial to keep funds in your child(ren)’s account for use on these items. To request a refund, complete the Refund Request Form. Depending on the volume of requests, refunds may take up to 30 days to process.

Q: Are snacks, extra portions, and secondary beverages included?

A: No, however, these items may be purchased separately in the same manner as currently employed.

Q: What items are included in a lunch meal? What about breakfast?

A: According to the USDA, a healthy lunch always consists of five components: a protein, grain, fruit, vegetable, and milk. To be considered a full meal, children must choose at least three of these components, including either a fruit or vegetable. A full breakfast consists of four components: two grains (main entree), one cup of fruit/juice or a vegetable, one cup of milk. Students must choose three of the four components offered with one of those components being a fruit/juice or vegetable.