Dear Families,
The Deer Lakes School District aims to provide nutritious and appetizing meals to students each day. The District recognizes that good nutrition is vital to students’ health, their mental and physical growth, and their readiness to participate and learn at school. The food service program is operated in conjunction with federal and state school nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
The Deer Lakes School District Food Services program would like to provide you with several updates for the 2023-2024 school year.
1. All public school students across Pennsylvania are eligible to receive one free reimbursable breakfast per school day regardless of eligibility per the signed Pennsylvania state budget. A free breakfast is separate from a la carte items, which are charged individually. In order for the breakfast to be considered a free reimbursable breakfast, students must select at least ½ cup of fruits (or vegetables, if offered) and the full serving of at least two other food items.
2. Additionally, students identified as eligible for reduced-price lunches through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) will not be charged for their meals (breakfast & lunch).
3. The Pennsylvania Department of Education provides school districts with a Paid Lunch Equity tool to determine lunch prices. While breakfast will be free for all students in the 2023-2024 school year, the paid lunch price will increase by $0.25. The Paid Lunch cost will go from $3.00 to $3.25 for middle school and high school students and $2.75 to $3.00 for primary and elementary students.
4. We strongly encourage all families to apply for free/reduced lunches. SchoolCafe provides an easy, convenient and confidential application for free and reduced meals. Click here to apply online.
Please see the Food Services webpage for more information.
We look forward to serving your children soon.
Jacob Douglas
Food Services Director