Parent Teacher Magazine Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools September 2017 | Page 8

Back to school: More cafeteria options available Families can apply now for free, reduced-price meals students receive meals throughout the school year. All students at all CMS schools can be served a complete breakfast free of charge. A complete breakfast is a minimum of one serving of fruit or juice and two additional items. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will serve up a new year of fresh meals to provide students with the nutrition they need and encourage the development of healthy eating habits. The CMS meals offer a range of options – farm-to-school produce, whole grains and lean proteins – and comply with nutrition regulations set by the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act and recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The district serves 40,000 breakfasts and 94,000 lunches each day, as well as 5,000 after-school snacks (and 3,000 suppers at qualifying sites). “In support of the learning that goes on in the classroom, we began several years ago providing breakfast at no charge to all students,” said Catherine Beam, executive director of Child Nutrition Services. “We continue that commitment to our students.” New items added for the 2017- 2018 school year include banana bread at breakfast and fresh melon, spinach side salads and pork street tacos at lunch. Vegetarian and vegan items also are available. Meal prices are $2 for pre-kindergarten students, $2.25 for kindergarten through eighth grade and $2.50 for grades nine through 12. Families can take advantage of a number of resources to ensure CMS also participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the National School Lunch Program. At 86 schools, all students qualify automatically for free breakfast and lunch. To see the list of CEP schools, please visit www.cms.k12.nc.us. Parents who need payment assistance for students attending non-CEP schools can apply for free or reduced-price meals here. An application is required even if there are other students in the household who attend a CEP school. Carolina Kids Dentistry specializes in treating children from infancy to young adulthood and individuals with special needs in a state-of-the-art and inviting environment. KIDS! Bring in an A or B on your report card for a FREE Spin Toothbrush. *new patients only Bevin K.Malley DDS, PA Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Call for a free consultation! (ages 18 months and younger) 6 • September/October 2017 • Parent Teacher Magazine 5829 Phyliss Lane • Mint Hill, NC www.ckdentistry.com • [email protected] 704-790-0590