Beginning the 2014-2015 school year, pharmacy all Richmond Public School students will be offered an opportunity to select a breakfast and lunch meal daily free of charge. Under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), school districts that predominately serve low-income students may offer free, nutritious school meals through the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. Students do not need to submit an application or pay a fee to participate.

All meals meet the United States Department of Agriculture’s guidelines for a low saturated fat, high fiber, and reduced sodium diet. Additionally, a meatless entrée will also be available daily as an option. All students will have the option of selecting one healthy breakfast and one healthy lunch per day, and must select at least three items, with one selection being a  ½ cup of fruit or vegetable. There will be a charge for students who desire a la carte items, additional meals, or other snack items. Lunch menus will be available on the district’s website at www.richmond.k12.va.us.

Students must continue to use their school-issued personal identification number (PIN) in order for school nutrition personnel to account for all meals served. The PIN number is also used to keep track of student allergies and special dietary information.  Allergy forms are also available on the district’s website.

The intent of the CEP is to improve access to healthy meals in eligible school districts and to eliminate the administrative burden of collecting paper applications.