Fueling Success: Student Meals Provide a Strong Start
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, students who participate in school meal programs consume more whole grains, milk, fruits, and vegetables during meal times and have better overall diet quality.
The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is dedicated to providing flavorful, responsive, eco-friendly, student-focused, and healthy meals. FCPS school meals are FRESH. We offer vegetarian and vegan entrees daily. New menu items debut this year including turkey barbacoa street tacos, bean and cheese pupusa, and chana masala to reflect our diverse student population.
Paying for Meals
Caregivers can set their children up for school lunch success by providing their students with money to purchase healthy and diverse meals at school or applying for free and reduced-price meal benefits.
School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students. Extra food — including milk, water, vegetables, fruits, and entrees — can be purchased, depending on the school's overall supply.
The best way to purchase meals (and additional food items) is to use MySchoolBucks. Set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account. If you have questions about MySchoolBucks, your school’s front office staff can help. Purchases made with MySchoolBucks keep cafeteria lines moving more quickly.
MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account as needed automatically. Families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account. Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for more information.
Be ready on the first day of school by setting up your child’s MySchoolBucks account and helping them learn their PIN. You will receive an email from Food and Nutrition Services that includes your child’s PIN.
Free and Reduced-Price Meals
As of October 31, 2023, approximately 36% of students in FCPS qualify for free and reduced-price meals. Families in FCPS that are earning less than 185% of the poverty level can receive meals for their students at no cost.
Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits throughout the school year. Families are encouraged to complete the application before the start of school. Up-to-date information is available on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.
Dietary Accommodations
FNS is happy to serve all students, no matter their specific dietary needs. Overall, it is important to make sure all students have access to healthy meals to fuel their day of learning.
Starting School Year 2024-2025, the FNS is implementing a standardized process for dietary accommodations to ensure the provision of safe and healthy food for our students. If your student has an intolerance, or medical condition that affects their diet, please follow the steps on the Dietary Accommodations page so the FNS office can work with you to meet your child’s dietary needs.
Pre-K and Early Head Start
FNS provides Pre-K and Early Head Start (EHS) students with meals including breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily. Please note that Pre-K and EHS students are not permitted to bring in food or beverages from home per program policy. Nutritious meals and snacks meet dietary guidelines for all students. If your Pre-K student has a food allergy, please follow the steps on the Dietary Accommodations page. If your EHS student has a food allergy, intolerance, or medical condition that affects their diet, please contact the Pre-K and EHS program.
