Lunch program vital part of school day

Lunchtime is one of the favorite periods of the school day for many students. Warren County Schools Lunch and Breakfast Programs are an important part of the total educational program for our children.

The better-nourished student will generally have better attendance, be more attentive, and have more energy to cope with school-day opportunities.

There are 10 full-service cafeterias and over 80 food service employees in the system. According to Jean Wix, child nutrition supervisor, there were 4,394 lunches and 1,636 breakfasts served to students in our schools last month. Approximately 75 percent of students in the system eat lunch every day.

Recently, a free after-school snack program was implemented in eight of our elementary schools to coordinate with after-school activities that provide additional educational or enrichment activities.

The school system receives federal and state funds for every student meal it serves. This reimbursement makes up the difference between what the lunch costs to produce and what the student pays. The amount of federal reimbursement paid per lunch depends on the economic need of the student. The most recent figures for Warren County indicate that 3,206 students, or 55.6 percent, qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Students, staff, and visitors have a choice of food items when dining in school cafeterias, due to the approved ?offer vs. serve program.? This program allows a choice of a minimum of three items from the five required food components. However, food service staffs encourage students to select choices from all five.

Students are offered choices of milk, fruits and vegetables, bread, and meat. All schools have a salad bar from which students can choose, as well.

This summer, free breakfast and lunch will be made available through federal funding by our Food Service Department for anyone under 18 years of age. Meals will be served at West Elementary and Warren County Middle School beginning May 30. The program will end at the middle school on June 30, but will continue at West until Aug. 4.

Bobby Ray cafeteria will serve breakfast and lunch from June 5 through 16. These dates coordinate with summer programs being offered at the schools.

If you would like more information concerning the school system?s Child Nutrition Program, call Jean Wix at 668-4022.