August 2022
Dear Parent/Guardian:
The 2022-2023 school year is approaching and all school meals will return to normal operations. While that is exciting for us in many ways, it also means that students will once again be charged for meals based on their eligibility status. Paid lunches will be $2.75 and breakfasts will $1.50. Students who qualify for free or reduced price meals will receive meals at no cost. Free/Reduced Meal Applications MUST be completed in order to obtain free/reduced status during the 2022-2023 school year.
It is disappointing knowing that free meals for all students are ending, as we have so enjoyed serving meals to students in our districts for no cost since March 2020 -- one of the silver linings of the pandemic. Our average daily participation for lunch grew from about 5,600 lunches a day to 7,500! We hope that we have gained loyal diners who will eat with us regardless of the free or paid status of meals. It has truly been a pleasure to grow our program to meet the needs of our students.
Our staff in each district take great care in providing nutritious, well-balanced meals, including whole grains, lean proteins and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Our school nutrition professionals have extensive food safety training, make accommodations for students with food allergies, and have the skills and knowledge to ensure a safe and healthy experience for all.
As plans for the new school year come into focus, we want to assure you that our school nutrition professionals across all participating school districts are well-equipped to incorporate additional health and safety procedures and to continue to provide high-quality service. We look forward to serving nutritious, safe, and delicious meals for all students next year.
Please take a few minutes to complete this application, and submit any time after July 1, 2022 to: Your school building office or the OHM BOCES School Food Service Office, c/o Perry Jr. HS, 9499 Weston Rd. New Hartford, NY 13413. You can find out the status of your application by calling the OHM BOCES School Food Service office at 315-738-0848, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kate Dorr, RDN, MBA OHM BOCES School Food Services Director