All Ballard County Middle and Ballard Memorial High School students will be charged for meals at the same rates as last year. Full price for breakfast is 75 cents and $1.65 for lunch. Student who qualify for reduced-price meals will get breakfast for 25 cents and lunch for 40 cents.

“While the district’s food service department has always provided wholesome and nutritious meals, new regulations have given us further guidance to offer even healthier menu items,” said Director Amber Hayes.

School meals offer students milk, grains, fruits, vegetables and proteins daily. Per state and national mandate, beginning this 2012-13 school year, to be served a meal at no charge, students must select a fruit or vegetable from the offerings each day.

Other improvements this year include calorie limits based on age; larger servings of fruits and vegetables; a greater variety of fruits and vegetables; less sodium; whole grains; and lower fat and zero trans-fat offerings.

“Ballard County Schools is always striving to improve the health and well-being of students in our district,” Hayes said. “Feeding students healthy, nutritious meals enables them to learn, grow and flourish.”

For more information, contact Hayes at 665-8400, ext. 2530.