A Note from Food Services

We are pleased to inform you that the Carmel Central School District (CCSD) will be implementing a meal certification option available to schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs effective December 1, 2023.  This implementation is a result of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) expanding access to the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).  CEP allows eligible schools to offer school meals at no charge to all students.  All students enrolled are eligible to receive one FREE healthy breakfast and one FREE nutritious lunch at no charge to your household effective December 1, 2023.    No further action is required of you.  Families do not need to fill out an application for their student to gain eligibility for breakfast and lunch at no cost.  

A healthy lunch always consists of five components:  a protein, grain, fruit, vegetable, and milk.  To be considered a full meal, students must choose at least three of these components, including either a fruit or vegetable.  A full breakfast consists of four components:  two grains (main entree), one cup of fruit/juice or a vegetable, and one cup of milk.  Students must choose three of the four components offered with one of those components being a fruit/juice or vegetable.  The CEP includes one breakfast meal and one lunch meal for each student every full day that school is in session.  Additional meals may be purchased at the following prices:  breakfast at the elementary schools, $1.50; breakfast at the middle and high schools $2.00, lunch at the elementary schools, $3.35; lunch at the middle and high schools, $3.65.   

Snacks and a la carte items (including milk) are available.  However, students will need cash or funds in their prepaid accounts to make these purchases or to pay for a second breakfast or lunch.  In addition, parents may send in a check or cash to be added to the student's prepaid account.  

If you have any questions, please contact the CCSD Food Services Department at carmelfoodservices@carmelschools.org.  

 

Meal Modifications Process

The Carmel Central School District Food Service Department participates in a federally funded Child Nutrition Program and any meals, milk, and snacks served must meet program requirements.  Reasonable meal accommodations will be made when the accommodation requested is due to a disability or impairment.  If you are requesting a meal accommodation for a food allergy, diet restriction, or substitution, please send a doctor's note to the school nurse.  The school nurse will inform the cafeteria staff, and a note will be placed on your student's cafeteria account.  CCSD partners with parents of children with food allergies to assist in ensuring children feel comfortable eating in the cafeterias. 

Food allergies have become a growing public health concern in the United States. With the incidence of food allergies doubling in the US over the last 10 years, procedures are being established in schools around the country to help keep children safe. 

If you have any questions about the foods served in our cafeterias, please contact Patrick Rodia at 845-878-2094, extension 254.   

If you would like information on how to manage your child's food allergy in our schools, please contact Food Services at (845) 878-2094, ext. 255. Are you a member of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN)? FAAN is a non-profit organization dedicated to becoming a world leader in Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis awareness. For more information, visit the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.

Dietary Guidelines

Carmel Central School District proudly participates in the National School Lunch Program.  The USDA (Department of Agriculture) has established new dietary guidelines that moderate calories while increasing whole grains, fruits and vegetables. 

 

Breakfast includes:

2 servings of whole grains (cereal, bagels, muffins, breakfast bars, cereal bars),

1 cup of fresh, canned, dried, or frozen fruit (apple, applesauce, banana, orange, peaches, pears, raisins, strawberries)

8 fluid ounces of milk (1% or Fat Free)

  

Lunch includes:

2 oz. of meat/meat alternative

1 cup fruit serving

3/4 cup vegetable serving (1 cup high school)

2 servings of whole grains

8 fluid ounces of milk (1% or Fat Free)

 

Students must select a minimum of three items and one MUST be a fruit or vegetable serving to be charged the lunch price. 

 Additional items are offered a la carte for an additional charge. 

 Should you have any questions, please feel free to call the Food Services Department at (845) 878-2094, ext. 255.  Thank you for your interest and support of the School Lunch Program. 

School Delays

When a decision is made to call a two-hour or a three-hour delayed opening of school, breakfast will not be served at our schools.  Lunch will still be served, however, the lunch periods will be shortened.  Please contact your child's school for more information.