Schools

Barrow County Schools to Receive Six-Cent Reimbursement for Each School Lunch Served

The school system became eligible to apply for the reimbursements after implementing new federal guidelines for meals this past school year.

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Deanna Allen, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

For implementing federal guidelines under the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act during the 2013-14 school year, the Barrow County School System is now certified to receive a reimbursement of six cents for every school lunch served. 

In May 2012, the school system announced that students would pay more for school lunches. Elementary school lunch prices increased from $1.25 to $1.50, middle school lunch prices from $1.50 to $1.75 and high school lunch prices from $1.75 to $2. The increase in prices was partially due to costs associated with the new federal meal guidelines, which included: 

  • 1⁄2 cup fruit offered daily
  • 1⁄2 cup vegetable offered daily
  • Grains must be whole grains
  • Milk must be fat free or 1 percent, including flavored
  • Reduced amount of protein and grain products
  • Sodium and calorie levels lowered
“We are very proud of this accomplishment which certifies the nutritional integrity of our meals," Pamela LeFrois, director of school nutrition, said in a news release. "As we all know, buying fresh fruits and vegetables is more expensive. We can see that with our own grocery bills at home. The six cents per meal reimbursement will allow us to purchase more fresh fruits and vegetables for the 2013-2014 school year."

The Barrow County School System is one of more than 115 school districts now certified by the Georgia Department of Education School 
Nutrition Program. 

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