Each month a team of staff, including a registered dietitian, cafeteria leads, managers and cooks, create a menu tailored to today’s student nutritional needs and tastes. Menus are based on the meal pattern regulations established by the USDA and must follow the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Feedback from cafeteria staff and students is used to plan the menu.

Many items are availabe everyday including a variety of fresh fruits (often from local farms), variety of cold sandwiches, tossed garden salad and low-fat milk in several flavors. See our Meal Deal for more information.

Yes! Recently, local and national media have spoken of the major overhaul planned for school meals throughout the country. Harford County Public Schools have already implemented most of these requirements. Extensive audits conducted this past year by state and federal officials concluded HCPS meals exceeded current USDA nutritional standards. Our staff will continually work to keep ahead of any new regulation for healthier meals. We are committed to providing nutritious meals in a pleasant environment.

A full school lunch includes the choice of a main item, two or three different fruits/vegetables and low-fat milk – this unbeatable combo provides a variety of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and carbohydrates- at least 33% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance [RDA]) in portions tailored to meet the needs of the growing student body. This past school year, nearly a half of million dollars was allocated to the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables. Additional items can be purchased for those students who need even more than the usual calorie amount. A full breakfast includes an entrée, a choice of fresh fruit or juice and milk.

Ala Carte items are available for sale to students who purchase a school meal or who want to supplement their lunch brought from home. In addition, any item on the menu is also available for sale as a extra side. Fresh fruit variety, tossed salad, and fresh vegetables are available everyday at every school. All items offered must meet USDA regulations, MSDE nutritional guidelines and the approval of our staff. Candy soda and other items of minimal nutritional value are never sold by the Food and Nutrition program. All items are single serving and age-appropriately portioned.

Students requiring medically indicated special diets can participate in the School Meals program. The Food & Nutrition Department may be able to make accommodations for special diets as ordered by your child's healthcare provider. Parents must contact the nurse at the student’s school to begin accessing this service. Documentation of the student’s specific needs will be required before the Registered Dietitian on our staff can assist the student.

Helpful Nutritional Education Links:

• Mid-Atlantic Dairy Council
• Eat Fit for Teens
• The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
• CDC-BAM
• Zip 4 Tweens
• Diabetes Information

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – especially for learning. A vital part of school improvement is to ensure
that each child starts the day right with a healthy breakfast.

• Breakfast helps children learn.Numerous studies have shown that breakfast improves learning, attendance, reduces behavior problems and tardiness. Children who eat breakfast at school – closer to test-taking time – perform better on standardized tests than those who skip breakfast or eat breakfast at home.
• Breakfast promotes good health.Eating breakfast results in fewer visits to the school nurse, improves children’s diets, and helps build healthy habits. Children who start the day with breakfast are less likely to have obesity concerns.

Harford County offers breakfast service at all locations for $1.05(.20 for reduced approved students). If your child is approved for free meals, breakfast is free of charge.

Several sites have been approved to serve Breakfast in the Classroom. Maryland Meals for Achievement (MMFA) is an innovative classroom breakfast project that began in 1998. Participating schools offer breakfast in the classroom each morning and is free to all students in that school.

The following schools have applied and have been approved for this program: Bakerfield Elementary, Riverside Elementary, William Paca/Old Post Road, Edgewood Elementary, Deerfield Elementary, Edgewood Middle, Magnolia Middle, Halls Cross Road Elementary, George D. Lisby @ Hillsdale Elementary, Havre De Grace Elementary and Magnolia Elementary schools.

Please encourage your child to start their day off right by eating a healthy breakfast either at home with you or at school with their friends.

The Board of Education is commitment to maintaining school environments that promote and protect student health through the provision of appropriate nutrition education, physical education, a variety of healthy food and beverage choices and encouraging all Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) employees to model healthy behaviors. Use the link below to access Harford County Public School’s Wellness policy approved April 2009.

Harford County Public Schools Wellness Policy