WHAT IS THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM?
Healthy Lunches for Student Success
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) at Marion County Public Schools provides students with nutritious, balanced meals that support learning and overall well-being. Our lunches are planned to give students the energy they need to stay focused, engaged, and ready to succeed throughout the school day.
What Is the National School Lunch Program?
The National School Lunch Program is a federally supported program that provides healthy meals to students in schools across the country. It is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and operated locally by school districts.
At Marion County Public Schools, we follow all USDA guidelines to ensure meals meet high standards for nutrition, quality, and safety.
No-Cost Meals for All Students
Marion County Public Schools participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
This means:
- All students receive lunch at no cost
- Families do not need to complete meal applications
- Every child has equal access to healthy school meals
What’s on the Menu?
Our school lunches are designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing students while offering foods they enjoy.
Students are offered:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables daily
- Whole grain-rich foods
- Lean proteins
- Low-fat and whole milk options
- Age-appropriate portion sizes
- Meals prepared using healthy cooking methods
Meals are planned to limit sodium, added sugars, and unhealthy fats while providing essential vitamins and nutrients.
How School Lunch Supports Your Child
Healthy school lunches help students:
- Stay focused and alert in class
- Maintain energy throughout the day
- Support physical growth and development
- Improve overall academic performance
Providing balanced meals during the school day plays an important role in student success.
Food Safety and Quality
We are committed to serving meals that are both safe and high quality.
- All management staff are Always Food Safe Certified
- Kitchens are regularly inspected by the local health department
- Staff follow strict daily food safety practices
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication (such as Braille, large print, audiotape, or American Sign Language) should contact the agency where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Program information may also be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027), available online here at USDA.gov, or write a letter addressed to USDA with all requested information. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.
Submit completed forms or letters to USDA by:
- Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
- Fax: (202) 690-7442
- Email: [email protected]
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
