Starkville School District Provides Meal Programs for Students
In Starkville, Mississippi, the new school semester is well underway, and for many students, lunchtime serves more significance than just a break from classes. Several students depend on the meals provided at school for a substantial portion of their daily nutrition.
The Child Nutrition Director of the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD), Ginny Hill, spoke about the different meal programs conducted by the school. “In every school,” she explained, “we operate the school breakfast program and the national school lunch program. These are both programs administered by the USDA.”
Meal Programs for a Nutritious Breakfast and Lunch
Both programs follow the meal pattern guidelines issued by the USDA. The administration also aids with the processing of lunch applications, enabling students to qualify for reduced-price or free meals. Yet, Starkville’s school district has taken additional measures to ensure that all its students, regardless of their families’ financial status, receive a free breakfast.
Hill also addressed the district’s approach to accommodating students who fall in the borderline reduced fee category. She affirmed that the district absorbs the costs for reduced-price meals, allowing those students to eat for free the same as other students. This initiative has been established to help those parents who might be struggling financially.
Maintaining a Nutritious and Appealing Menu
Creating meals that are both nutritious and appealing to young students can pose a challenge. Keeping in mind that students have a different palate and preference than adults, the school district strives to combine elements of nutrition with popular items in their menus.
Hill cited the example of pizza- a student favorite. The pizza served in the school is made with a whole grain crust and is topped with low sodium and low-fat toppings, making it a healthier version of a fast-food favorite. She further added that being part of a statewide purchasing group helps the school obtain food items that align with their meal patterns.
Further information such as meal applications and the income chart can be found on the official website of the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District.
Conclusion
With the provision of these meal programs and free breakfast initiative, the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District illustrates its dedication to not only education but the overall wellbeing of their students. It highlights the importance of a good diet in young learners’ development and upholds the belief that no student should learn on an empty stomach.
