October 27, 2023
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health and high spirits. We are excited to share some wonderful news that will positively impact our school community. Beginning November 1, 2023,Coxsackie-Athens Schools will be offering free breakfast and lunch to ALL students in our district.
We believe that providing nutritious meals is essential for the well-being and academic success of our students. This initiative not only eliminates the financial burden of daily school meals but also ensures that all our students have access to healthy, balanced, and delicious food options during the school day.
Here are some key details about this program:
Free Breakfast and Lunch: All students enrolled in Coxsackie-Athens will be eligible to receive a free breakfast and lunch at our school cafeterias every school day.
Nutritious Choices: Our school district is committed to providing wholesome and balanced meals that meet the nutritional guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). We prioritize fresh and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
No Application Required: There is no need to fill out an application or provide documentation to receive these free meals. Every student is automatically eligible. We do encourage families to complete the free/reduced meal application since this may result in some applications fee and college entrance exam fee waivers.
Healthy Eating Habits: We encourage our students to make healthy choices and explore new food options. Our cafeteria staff will be happy to guide students in making nutritious meal selections.
We firmly believe that this initiative will have a positive impact on our students' overall health and well-being, as well as reduce any stigma associated with meal assistance. By providing free meals to all, we hope to create a more inclusive and supportive school environment.
We understand that some families may have already purchased meal plans or added funds to their school meal accounts for this school year. Rest assured that any existing balances will remain on your child's meal account and can be used for a la carte items or future school years.
We are committed to fostering a sense of community and cooperation within our school, and we believe that this program is a significant step toward achieving that goal. If you have any questions or concerns about this program, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school office.
Thank you for your ongoing support in our vision to inspire all learners to achieve extraordinary success. We look forward to continuing to work together to create a positive and nourishing environment for all our students
Sincerely,
Randy Squier
Superintendent of Schools