Free meal policy implemented

FREE LUNCHES NOW AVAILABLE

FCPS implements free meal policy

ARNAV GUPTA NEWS EDITOR

The lunch bell rings, and students spring from their seats. They rush down the hallway to see the lunch lines extending past the cafeteria entrance doors. The line moves surprisingly fast, and students are swiftly dismissed with a checkmark from a cafeteria supervisor.

In the summer leading up to the 20212022 school year, FCPS, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), implemented a free meal program for all students, allowing one free breakfast and lunch meal per student every day. Although meals are free, students are still required to pay for additional snacks and drinks.

“I think [the free meal program] helps out a lot,” senior Evan Zhu said. “People are now willing to eat more without having to worry about monetary issues. However, food variety and additional snacks are gone or limited now.”

This program operates under the USDA’s National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (SSO). While SSO is generally reserved for the summer months, the ongoing national supply chain shortage caused by the pandemic emphasized the need for financial stability and nutritional meals for schools.

According to the USDA, schools that choose SSO will receive higher meal reimbursements for each meal they serve, which will support them in providing the most nutritious meals possible. This mitigates pandemic-related operational and supply chain challenges.

The decision to implement the program came directly from the federal government. Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, all states received national school lunch waivers requiring the distribution of school meals under a qualified program regardless of wealth distribution among school districts.

PEOPLE ARE NOW WILLING TO EAT MORE WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT MONETARY ISSUES.”

- EVAN ZHU SENIOR

“It is too early in the fiscal year to assess whether FCPS is losing money as FCPS receives federal reimbursement from the USDA Child Nutrition Programs,” FCPS Food Services Finance Coordinator Stephen Draeger said.

The program has affected a large portion of FCPS students, with Food and Nutrition Services officials reporting a steep increase in the daily number of meals distributed.

“Early breakfast and lunch program participation data reflects an increase of approximately 10,000 breakfasts and 30,000 lunches daily,” Draeger said.

Lunch meals have seemingly retained their quality and quantity from previous years, as evidenced by minimal complaints.

“For [food] with multiple pieces, I haven’t seen any change in quantity,” Zhu said. “There is always a set number for a meal, such as four chicken tenders or six mini corn dogs, and that has not changed in my experience.”

Despite these successes, some students have noticed the prevalence of system manipulation and cheating.

“There is no way of checking whether someone has gotten a free meal, especially since there are three different [lunch] lines,” senior Saahir Rattani said.

Food and Nutrition Service officials expect students to act responsibly in accordance with the Students Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R).

“We will ask the school administration to speak with a student if [misconduct] is observed by a staff member,” Director of Food and Nutrition Services Maria Perrone said. “If a student is concerned about the actions of another, they should seek guidance from school administrators.”

Despite the potential for exploitation of the program, FCPS is continuing its efforts to prioritize student health and maintain flexibility for all families, regardless of household income.

“The no-cost meals will remain in place for all students during the 2021-22 school year,” Perrone said. “Our primary goal is to support students’ health, wellness and readiness to learn.”

QUICK CATERING — Cafeteria employees provide free lunches to students. FCPS reported increases in the number of meals being distributed

each day. (Photo by Morgan Muntean)