UTICA — Student nutrition will get a boost at North Fork Local Schools this year thanks to federal funding through the department of agriculture.
The North Fork school board on Monday approved offering free mandatory breakfasts to all students, grades kindergarten through 12, beginning with the 2012-13 school year. Adult (staff) breakfasts will also be free of charge. Superintendent Scott Hartley said North Fork can afford the breakfast program because of the number of students qualifying for free and reduced lunches, as the amount of federal funding/reimbursement will ultimately pay for the program. Treasurer Jack McDonald estimates the breakfast program will clear $35,000 to $40,000, which will help cover costs for the lunch program.
The board also agreed to grant a $5 lunchroom credit to each student whose parent or guardian files a National School Lunch and Breakfast Program application. Reimbursement for the school nutrition program depends upon applications being filed.
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