Carmel Central School District

As a result of waivers from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the 2021-2022 school year, breakfast and lunch meals will be provided at no charge for students enrolled in Carmel High School, George Fischer Middle School, Kent Elementary School, Kent Primary School, and Matthew Paterson Elementary School regardless of student eligibility through the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the National School Lunch Program.   CCSD is approved to operate as a closed-enrolled site to serve the school's enrolled students.  This option does not include community meals or meals for siblings.  The free and reduced-price school meals program includes breakfast and lunch.  Snacks are sold separately and must be paid or prepaid. 

Although school meals are available at no cost to students this school year, applying for meal benefits is still very important!  By applying for meal benefits you may be eligible for the following:

• P-EBT Funding
• Free or reduced fees for sports
• Reduced registration fees for AP Exams
• Discounted rates on college application fees

Your application affects funding in many areas!

• School Funding
• Internet & Technology
• Access to grants
• Resources for classrooms, teachers & children

To apply for free and reduced price school meals, please complete a 2021-2022 Application for Free and Reduced Meals.  Applications can be found at each school's main office, on the Food Service webpage,  by email at carmelfoodservices@carmelschools.org, or by calling the Food Service Department at 845-878-2094, Extension 255.     Completed applications can be faxed to 845-878-2568, emailed to carmelfoodservices@carmelschools.org,  or mailed to Carmel Central School District, Attention: Food Services Department, P.O. Box 296, 81 South Street, Patterson, NY  12563.     If you have any questions, please call 845-878-2094, Extension 255 or Extension 254. 

Food Allergy Information

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. 

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.