Beginning Jan. 2, 2024, all New Hartford Central School District students will automatically be eligible for FREE breakfast and lunch.
The district has been approved to operate under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a federally funded program that allows schools to provide a non-pricing meal service. OHM BOCES Food Service, the district’s school meal program provider, will offer daily breakfast and lunch at no cost to any interested student. Breakfast will be a new program for the district and specific information for each building will be shared with families in mid-December.
A la carte items such as individual milks, frozen yogurt, baked chips and whole-grain cookies, will still be available for purchase most days in the school cafeterias.
Any balances that remain on student meal accounts can be used for a la carte items this year and in the future. If you have automatic payments scheduled, please remember to turn them off at the end of December.
Students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals outside of the CEP are not required to fill out a free/reduced meal application in order to receive free meals beginning Jan. 2.
The district is still accepting household income eligibility forms, as accurate reporting of demographic information benefits the school district. The quickest and best way to complete the form is by going to www.EzMealApp.com, select New Hartford Central School and follow the prompts. You can also complete a hard copy of the household income eligibility form and return 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.
The district’s participation in the CEP will help ensure all students are provided with tasty, nutritious and fresh food free of charge so that every student is fed and ready to learn.