What is a Complete School Meal?

A Few THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT SCHOOL Meals

• Students may select ONE complete Breakfast and a complete Lunch daily at NO COST for the entire school year!
• Even though breakfast and lunch are now permanently free for Somerville students, we still ask that some of our families fill out the free and reduced school meals application form. See details above in the section FREE AND REDUCED PRICE SCHOOL MEALS APPLICATION.
• Special dietary accommodations may be made with advanced communication. See details under Student Allergy Management Plan.

School Breakfasts and Lunches

The Food and Nutrition Services Department (FNSD) is recognized around the nation for its innovative approach to healthy eating in a diverse community. The Director, Lauren Mancini, and Assistant Director, Pauline Uccello, are both members of the School Nutrition Association (SNA) of Massachusetts. The FNSD is committed to providing high quality, nutritious, and innovative meals for students and staff throughout the school year and the summer. The FNSD is continuously developing new recipes featuring fresh fruits and vegetables and making nutrition education a priority.

All food and beverage items sold through the a la carte programs meet the guidelines established by the Massachusetts Action for Healthy Kids.

All of the meals and snacks offered by the Food and Nutrition Services Department meet the nutritional and meal pattern requirements set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for participation in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. Visit the USDA website for more information.

Under the guidance of the USDA, FNSD offers meals that are complete and reimbursable.

A breakfast is complete and reimbursable when it includes three of five offered components: Grains, Meat/Meat Alternative, Dairy, Fruits, Vegetables. One component must be a Fruit. 

A lunch is complete and reimbursable when it includes at least three of five offered components: Grains, Meat/Meat Alternative, Dairy, Fruits, Vegetables. One component must be a Fruit or Vegetable.