Durham Public Schools

Durham Public Schools is leading the state in developing and serving healthier and tastier nutritional choices for our students because we know that healthier students make better learners! 

• We believe that no student should start his or her school day hungry - so every child enrolled in Durham Public Schools can receive a healthy breakfast for free. There are no forms to fill out or documents to sign. Go to the cafeteria or meal kiosk (available at select schools) and receive your food!

• Our mission statement 

  • The mission of the DPS School Nutrition Services is to provide quality meals to our customers in a clean and sanitary environment. To achieve this mission, we are committed to:

• Providing quality products and services

• Focusing on the nutritional needs of our customers

• Encouraging healthy choices as life-long dietary habits

DPS Meal Programs:

• • Breakfast- Free for all DPS students. Schools serve breakfast either in the classroom, hallway, or classroom.  Breakfast is free to all students for the 2023-2024 school year.   

  • Lunch - Hot lunch is served at all DPS schools. 

  • Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program - 17 Elementary schools participate in this USDA grant which provides a fresh produce snack three times per week.  

  • After-school Snacks - Served to students who participate in DPS Community Education after-school programs. 

  • Summer Food Service Program - Free summer meals are available to all children in Durham at some schools and community sites.  Site locations vary each year.  Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304 during the summer months to find a site near you with free meals for kids.  For a map of summer meal sites and directions, visit: Durham Area Food Resources Locator (arcgis.com)

ABOUT OUR FOOD:

DPS School Nutrition Services is proud to serve appealing and nutritious food to our students.  All meals served follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and federal regulations as approved for North Carolina and the State Board of Education Policy on Nutrition Standards for School Meals. 

The school menu is designed by the Nutrition Coordinator and Registered Dietitian to meet the unique needs of children in each age group. To learn more about the USDA meal pattern, visit our FAQ section. 

PRIVACY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION

The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act requires information on this application.  You do not have to give the information, but if you do not, we cannot approve your child for free or reduced-price meals.  You must include the social security number of the adult household member who signs the application.  The social security number is not required when you apply on behalf of a foster child or you list a Food Stamp Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) identifier for your child or when you indicate that the adult household member signing the application does not have a social security number.  We will use your information to determine if your child is eligible for free or reduced-price meals, and for administration and enforcement of the lunch and breakfast programs.  We MAY share your eligibility information with education, health, and nutrition programs to help them evaluate, fund, or determine benefits for their programs, auditors for program reviews, and law enforcement officials to help them look into violations of program rules.

Connect

• For information about your child’s school cafeteria manager, visit your school’s website.  Your child’s cafeteria staff is honored to provide your children with healthy meals.  

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