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National School Lunch Program

Saugerties CSD participates in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs. All meals are nutritionally balanced and adhere to the federal nutrition regulations set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Child Nutrition Program of the State Education Department.

2023-2024 Update

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Dear Saugerties Families,

The Saugerties Central School District is pleased to announce that ALL students enrolled at Grant D. Morse and Cahill Elementary Schools will participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) grant program during the 2023-2024 school year.

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What exactly does that mean?
Beginning the first day of school (September 6) every student enrolled in Grand D. Morse and Cahill Elementary Schools will be able to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each day regardless of the family’s household income. Both of these schools met the requirements of at least 40 percent of its student body being “directly certified” for free meals, which under a new provision of this year’s
NYS budget allowed for FULL school-building participation. Please note this program pertains to students only.

The free breakfast and lunch will be added to every student’s account each day. Once those meals have been claimed, students have the ability to purchase additional items such as additional portions, beverages, and snacks for an additional cost, but will need to pay at the register or have enough funds on their prepaid account. Families can add funds to their “My School Bucks” account or by sending cash or check with their student to school or by mail to: SCSD, Call Box A, Attn: Sheila Melville, Saugerties, NY 12477. (please make checks payable to SCSD Cafe)

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As part of the program, CAHILL AND MORSE families will be asked to complete the CEP Household Income Eligibility Form, which can be found below:

• Parent Letter - ENG
• Parent Letter - SPA
• Income Application - ENG
• Morse Income Application - SPA
• Cahill Income Application - SPA

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This is not mandatory, however, completion of this form will help the District
maximize the amount of state and federal aid that it receives, thereby maximizing resources available to students. Completion of the applications could also qualify some students for additional services, such as discounts on home internet costs, academic testing, college applications, and more.

Each household with students attending these schools will receive communication about CEP, including contact information for any questions.

While our State advocates expressed enthusiasm that New York expanded access to free meals, they noted that the move still falls short of providing free meals to ALL students in the State. Many say they are going to continue to pressurize those until ALL students receive no cost meals.

For students in the remaining schools not meeting the requirements for the CEP program provision (Riccardi and the JR/SR High School), they will need to fill out the free or reduced meal form to see if they qualify.

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The form can be found here:
FR Meal App

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Children who are members of households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (formerly the Food Stamp Program) or who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) may automatically be eligible for free meals. Children who are homeless, migrant, or runaway may also be automatically eligible for free meals. Foster children, who are the legal
responsibility of a welfare agency or court, are eligible for free meals regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. Children who are members of households participating in WIC may also be eligible for free or reduced-price meals based on the household’s income.

While it may be disappointing that Riccardi Elementary School and our Junior/Senior High School did not meet the requirements, we are optimistically hopeful that the program will be expanded to include all schools in the near future.

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For those who need to purchase lunches and breakfasts the prices are as follows:

Riccardi Elementary:

• Breakfast $ 2.20

• Lunch $3.50

JR/SR HS:

• Breakfast $2.45

• Lunch $3.80

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If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give the School Lunch Manager Sheila Melville a call at 845-247-6651 Ext. 1770.

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Some Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: What is the CEP Program?
A: The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is an alternative way to serve universal free breakfast and lunch to all students in schools. It is part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. SCSD participates in this program each year.

Q: Why are only some of Saugerties Central School District schools now able to participate in the CEP Program?
A: Due to a new funding provision in this year’s NYS budget, schools who have an Identified Student Percentage of 40 percent or higher are able to receive full benefits. An Identified Student refers to any student that is certified for free meals by any means other than the submission of individual paper
applications, such as SNAP and Medicaid.

Q: What are the advantages of participation?
A: In addition to all students receiving free breakfast and lunch, participation will remove the stigma that can be associated with being eligible for free and reduced meals as well as improve nutrition to students at risk. In addition, many working families on the cusp of receiving free and reduced meals will no longer have to worry about paying for their child(ren)’s school meals.

Q: What impact does this program have on school taxes?
A: There is no impact on school taxes. The SCSD Food Service Department’s budget isself-sustaining and separate from the annual school budget voted on by taxpayers each year.

Q: What if I have questions about the forms I need to fill out for my students?
A: Please contact the Food Service Department at. They will be able to assist you with any questions or paperwork.

Food Safety 

Food Safety is a top priority in the Saugerties CSD School Nutrition Department. Our employees are trained to follow and carry out all HACCP procedures. The Ulster County Health Department is required to conduct two health inspections per school year at each of the district’s schools. Our staff members are required to complete in-service hours annually.

The Saugerties CSD School Nutrition Program operates fiscally independent from the school district. The program is supported by revenue generated from sales made within our cafeteria as well as receiving federal and state funds based on our meal participation. The revenue earned must cover the cost of food, salary for approximately 30 employees, equipment and other operational expenses.

a la carte options are offered daily at all grade levels. These options will meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Smart Snack regulations and are compliant with the district’s wellness guidelines. Snacks will be provided in small portions and are formulated to be reduced in fat, sugar and sodium. Families will be able to regulate which items their student is allowed by filling out a permission slip provided by their school or by calling (845) 247-6651 ext. 1770. These daily a la carte offerings help the department cover operational costs, including remaining competitive in the job market.

Our goal is to continue to offer the best variety of healthy meals to our students daily ensuring that 100% of our students are successful.