South Florida students are heading back to school this week, and they have a lot to look forward to – including free lunch and new menu items.
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) announced that the Food and Nutrition Department will continue to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students in the new school year.
This is thanks to several existing programs, including Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), Universal Free Breakfast, and Universal Free Lunch Program Pilot Year 2.
CEP provides free breakfast and lunch to all students in 180 eligible Broward County public schools, while the school system will pilot the Universal Free Lunch Program for a second year in the remaining 47 schools not in the Community Eligibility Provision (non-CEP).
While students in Broward went back to class on Monday, students in Miami-Dade still have a few days before they can try exciting new foods.
The Miami-Dade County Public Schools Department of Food and Nutrition gave NBC6 a behind-the-scenes look at their test kitchen to showcase the district’s new menu items. Breakfast and lunch are also free for students.
New menu items from Miami-Dade schools
- Wholemeal breakfast croissant with ham and cheese
- Wholegrain cranberry orange scone
- Pumpkin bread in slices
- Red pepper frittata
- Pan de Bono appetizers
- Philly Beef Steak
- Fried chicken drumsticks
- BBQ pork rib patty
- White garlic pizza
These complement the daily menus offered, including garden salads, sandwiches and various fresh fruits.
School begins again for students in Miami-Dade County on Thursday.
