School Meals Are Free For All Students *A la carte items and second entrée purchases are at cost (not free)

Needham Public Schools participates in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. As part of this program, Needham Public Schools offers healthy meals every school day. The Commonwealth is supplementing National School Lunch Program funds to ensure all students have access to healthy school meals in Massachusetts, regardless of household income. We ask that families complete a Meal Benefit Application as this provides data for school funding and community resources. The results from each Meal Benefit Application is used to ensure sustainability for this program.
Breakfast:
A free breakfast meal consists of following components:

• Two (2) whole grain items, two (2) protein items or one (1) grain and one (1) protein item (example: whole grain breakfast sandwich)
• Whole Fruit and/or Vegetable, 100% fruit juice offered twice per week
• Milk, 8 oz: Fat-Free, 1%, Fat-Free Chocolate, or Lactaid (for documented lactose-intolerant students) 

Lunch:
A free lunch meal consists of the following components:

• One (1) Entrée (any choice). An entrée is the protein item and grain item usually served together (example: hamburger on a bun)
• Fruits and Vegetables: Unlimited. Students are encouraged to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Milk, 8 oz: Fat-Free, 1%, Fat-Free Chocolate, or Lactaid (for documented lactose-intolerant students) 

Students MUST choose 3 items to assemble a complete meal. One of the items must be a fruit or vegetable.

A la carte: A la carte items, second entrees, and extra items are available for purchase in each cafeteria. However, these are in addition to the meal and students will be charged for the items. For example, if a student assembles a complete lunch with all the required components (grain, protein, fruit, vegetable & milk) and also has a yogurt on the tray, they will be charged for the yogurt.
A la carte items include water and other beverages, baked chips, whole grain cookies, yogurt, and other various snacks depending on the school. 
Feel free to contact Emily Murphy, Nutrition Services Director, at 781-455-0400 x11216 or [email protected].us with any questions.