Hickory Public Schools is participating in a district-wide Community Eligibility Program pilot program during the 2023-2024 school year. The HPS school nutrition program will provide free breakfast and free lunch to all students. Students can participate in these meal programs without paying a fee or applying for meal benefits.

Students will still be able to purchase A La Carte items in their school cafeteria to supplement their meal choices and cater to their preferences. Students that bring their lunch can also get a complimentary meal from their school cafeteria to help supplement the needs of a growing student.

A complete breakfast meal consists of one entree, one milk, and two servings of fruit or 100% fruit juice. A complete lunch meal consists of one entree with bread and/or grain, one milk, two servings of fruit, and two servings of vegetables. Students must select a fruit or vegetable along with two other items for the school meal to be complete.

Students with Unique Mealtime Needs can also participate in these programs; however, they will have to have a completed 2023-2024 medical statement from their physician for the meals to be covered. Medical statements can be found on the HPS School Nutrition page. Visit www.hickoryschools.net and go to the nutrition page for program information, updates, and menus closer to the start of the school year.

[News release courtesy of Natasha Eckard, Director of Communications & Community Relations, Hickory Public Schools.]