We Engage, Inspire, and Empower because learning and good nutrition go hand in hand!
Our team of School Nutrition professionals look forward to serving our students. We are dedicated to students' health, well-being, and their ability to learn. Good nutrition is an integral part of the students academic success. School Nutrition Services support learning by promoting healthy habits for lifelong nutrition and fitness practices. Our mission is to provide students and staff nutritious, affordable and appealing meals consisting of a variety of healthy choices and served in a safe and sanitary environment.
School cafeterias are open daily for breakfast and lunch. In Catawba County we serve over 15,000 meals per day and our menus are developed with students in mind. Our students participate in product testing and food samplings to ensure that school menus are student centered.
Meals, foods and beverages sold or served at schools meet state and federal requirements which are based on the United States Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines. Our program provides students with access to a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, quality and appealing foods that meet their health and nutrition needs. To learn more about the federal nutrition standards and School Nutrition Programs, please click here.
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MEALS
Due to COVID -19 regulations mandated by USDA to School Nutrition Programs, meals will be served to all students through August 31, 2020 at no cost to the student. Students will be offered a grab-n-go meal at breakfast and a boxed hot meal at lunch. After August 31, 2020, School Nutrition Programs will receive further guidance from USDA for meals served to students beyond this date.
MEAL ACCOUNTS
No cash, check or online payment will be accepted until further notice. School Nutrition software used to collect payments will not be in operation at the opening of school. As USDA provides guidance to meal services offered after August 31, 2020, parents and families will be notified.
A LA CARTE SALES
A la carte and extra sale items will not be offered for the first several weeks of school as cash registers will not be in operation. School cafeterias will not be able to collect cash or checks.
FREE AND REDUCED MEAL BENEFIT INFORMATION
You may apply for Free/Reduced meals online. Go to www.lunchapplication.com -- This is a safe and secure website. Paper applications will no longer be sent home with your child. If you have any questions, please contact your school cafeteria manager.
If your child was receiving meal benefits in a Catawba County School at the end of the 19-20 school year you will need to reapply by the following date to avoid a lapse in benefits:
Challenger students - September 18, 2020
All other students - September 28, 2020
If you do not reapply by the dates listed above you will be responsible for paying full price for your child's meals.