Free Meals for All Students in Public Schools in Aiken County

Parents of Aiken County public school students won't have to send breakfast or lunch money with their children this school year.

When school starts next Tuesday, July 25, every school in the district will offer chef-created breakfasts and lunches at no cost each day that school is in session.

Funding for student meals will continue to come from the United States Department of Agriculture's Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).  The re-vamped program will feature made-from-scratch recipes as well as student-approved menu options.

School district officials say presentation will be the key.  Food service workers will be dressed in new uniforms, aprons, and hats provided by Chartwells.  The company has decades of food, education and operation experience and is in more than 4,500 schools nationwide.  Chartwells is known for creating custom dining programs and helping serve food students love to eat.

"Students will feel more like they are visiting a restaurant or cafe, than a school cafeteria," said Polly Peyinghaus, District Coordinator for School Food Service.

A news release from the Aiken County School District says students and families will soon be able to access menus, ingredients, and have an opportunity to provide feedback on the new meal offerings.

"Good nutrition is step one to students feeling grounded and ready for daily instruction," Peyinghaus said.  "We're looking forward to offering delicious, nutritious food, which we know is vital to students' education and their ability to learn."