Ms. Colleen Thaler
Supervisor of Food Services
e: cthaler@nullsomsd.k12.nj.us
p: (973) 762 - 5600 ext. 1002
This Fall "Back to School" Will Also Mean "Back to Student Meal Rates" For Nutritious School Meals
For the 2022-23 SY, the USDA meal waiver extension (which provided free meals to all SOMSD students for the 2021-22 SY) will not apply for the upcoming SY. For 2022-23 SY SOMSD will offer students healthy meals daily at a reasonable price:
- Elementary: $3.25
- Middle: $3.50
- High School: $3.75
Families may prepay for student meals through the PaySchools online payment system. To Receive Free & Reduced Meal Benefits or the 2023-24 SY eligible families must complete a new free and reduced lunch application online. Please use the PaySchool online platform to apply.
National School Lunch Program
Studies have proven that children who eat a hearty breakfast and lunch are more focused and peaceful in their studies and social settings.
The National School Lunch Program, established in 1946, provides federal support to schools that serve USDA approved meals to their students. This support is provided both financially and in the form of surplus foods. Since the National School Lunch Act was enacted in 1946 over 180 billion meals have been served to children across the country. In the 2000-2001 school year alone approximately 8,000 schools -- 27.4 million children -- participated.
For many children, their school lunch will be the most important meal of their day. Children depend upon their warm school lunch for 1/3 to 1/2 of their nutritional intake. Healthy diets help children grow, develop, and do well in school. Thus, the intent of the National School Lunch Program is that all children receive a daily, warm, healthy meal that meets approved nutritional requirements.