Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) serves a variety of breakfast and lunch menu items for students at low costs for parents. For the 2015-16 school year, prices for elementary school students are $1.25 for breakfast and $2.55 for lunch. Middle and high school students can purchase breakfast for $1.40 and lunch for $2.80. Some students may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals and CCPS determines eligibility through income eligibility guidelines established by the federal government.
The reduced price for breakfast is $0.30 and $0.40 for lunch. All CCPS students receive an application for free or reduced-price meals either at school or through the mail. Copies, including a Spanish version, are available at each school and completing the application is optional. Families with more than one child attending CCPS only need to complete one application per household. Parents can also visit the CCPS website and select the Free Meals Application link posted under the Quick Links section of the home page to complete the application electronically.
Paper applications should be sent directly to Charles County Public Schools, Department of Food Services, 5980 Radio Station Road, La Plata, Md., 20646. There is a 10 business day turn-around time for paper applications once they are received by Food Services. School system staff review applications for eligibility and incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Additionally, all provided information may be checked for eligibility verification.
Approved applications are only valid for one school year and need to be resubmitted at the start of each new school year. Benefits for the 2014-15 school year end on Oct. 12 or when notification that benefits for the 2015-16 school year have been approved. Parents can also apply at any time during the school year.
Questions about the application process and free or reduced-price meal benefits should be directed to the Department of Food Services at 301-392-5575.