Students fill the 664th Café at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, where they can all now enjoy a free lunch. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)
In a letter sent out to parents and students on Sept. 1, Dr. Rick Smith, superintendent at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center (OHP), announced the school will now offer free lunches to all enrolled students, whether they meet the qualifications for the federal lunch program or not.
This change, which covers the 2023-24 school year only, went into effect on Tuesday, Sept. 5.
“All households have felt the strain of the economy and increasing costs on nearly everything needed to live,” Smith stated in the letter. “We are happy to be able to provide this relief to all families and make sure all students have access to a healthy meal.”
Funding for the free lunches will come from a student wellness grant, with the goal of offering balanced and wholesome options to support the diners’ nutritional needs.
But while this applies to all students, OHP still encourages eligible families to continue participating in the federal free and reduced lunch program by completing the necessary application. In doing so, the school can receive the funding they need to keep that going.
Free lunches offered in the OHP cafeteria, also known as the 664th Café, will include one of the following:
- A sandwich from the sandwich bar, vegetable, fruit, milk;
- Grab-&-go salad or sub, milk;
- Plate lunch from the hot bar—entrée, vegetable, fruit, milk; or
- A build-your-own lunch bar—entrée, vegetable, fruit, milk.
À la carte items like pop, chips or dessert are not included and cost extra. Also, this program applies to lunch only. Breakfast will still be $2.
“Adequate nutrition is vital to the growth, education and well-being of all students,” Smith concluded.
Direct any questions to the OHP main office at (937) 599-3010, ext. 1200.