Frequently Asked Questions
Free School Meals
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are meals free for all students K-12?
Yes, meals, both breakfast and lunch meals are free for all students, kindergarten through 12th grade, at all White Plains City Schools, for the 2024-2025 school year.
What is considered a meal?
A meal is comprised of an entrée choice and must include at least one portion of fruit or vegetable. An alternative would be any combination of at least 3 different food components, for example, a milk, fruit (apple or juice) and vegetable (Carrot sticks).
What items on the menu are included in a complete meal?
All meals include all vegetable choices (hot vegetable, fresh vegetable sticks or toppings bar); all fruit choices (juice, fresh fruit, chilled cupped fruit); and a milk choice (white 1% or fat free; chocolate fat free)
If a student just wants a “drink”, can they take a milk or a juice at no charge?
No. A single juice or milk is not a complete meal and would be considered an a la carte purchase. A student would need to pay for the item or take additional food components to be considered a free meal.
For example, a fruit, milk and vegetable would be considered a complete meal and would be provided at no charge. A milk, juice OR fruit, without two other components, would cost $.75 per item.
Is a 2nd entrée or 2nd slice of pizza free of charge?
No. Only the first, complete meal is provided free of charge, at breakfast and lunch. If a student came back for a 2nd lunch meal or took a 2nd slice of pizza on their tray, the cashier would charge $3.25. These items, 2nd lunch and 2nd entrée are considered a la carte purchases.
Who do I contact if I have any additional questions related to free meals?
If you have questions related to free school meals, please contact the Food & Nutrition Program Office at 914-422-2054 or email Dawn McGinn, Food & Nutrition Program Director, dawnmcginn@wpcsd.k12.ny.us