The prices of school meals will not change for the upcoming school year. School breakfasts will remain at $1.35 this year, with lunches at elementary and secondary schools costing $2.60 and $2.85, respectively. At all schools, reduced-price breakfast is 30 cents and reduced-price lunch is 40 cents. The cost of milk also remains at 55 cents per bottle.

In addition to serving unlimited fresh fruits and vegetables daily, AACPS continues to offer a variety of meal options to ensure students are properly fueled for the school day.  Twenty-nine schools will offer free breakfast to all students as part of the Maryland Meals for Achievement program. Eleven more schools will allow students to purchase breakfast and eat with teachers and peers in the classroom as part of the Breakfast with Class program.  In addition, about a dozen schools will serve free early evening meals to students through a federally-funded initiative aimed at supporting good nutrition and combating youth hunger. 

Students who wish to receive free or reduced-price meals must have their SY 2012-13 Meal Benefit Application approved by October 10, 2012.

For the fourth straight year, AACPS is utilizing an enhanced computer system, MyPaymentsPlus, to make meal purchases faster and easier. Students whose parents deposit money into an account can use their six-digit student identification number to make purchases. Parents can register to receive emails when balances are low, and can monitor their child’s purchases. Questions about the prepayment programs should be directed to the school a child attends.

AACPS menus will have a new look this year, with additional healthy options for all students. New choices include additional fresh fruits and vegetables, more whole grain options, and more lean protein and low-fat dairy options.

Last year, AACPS served nearly 5 million lunches and 1.9 million breakfasts in schools. Revenue for the program comes from food sales (51 percent), federal reimbursements (47 percent), and state funding (2 percent).