LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Roberto Treviño,

 The Laredo Independent School District’s Child Nutrition Program (CNP) will be providing nutritionally balanced free school meals to children each school day for the 2010-2011 school year. “All LISD school cafeterias will be offering healthy breakfast and lunch meals at no charge to LISD students,” announced Margaret Lopez, LISD Child Nutrition Director. “As always, all students can enjoy their favorite breakfast, lunch, and sometimes after school snacks free of charge.”

 For those with bigger appetites, the CNP will also offer students the opportunity to purchase extra food. School breakfast and lunch menus and prices for individual meal items are posted at the school cafeterias’ and the CNP web page at www.laredoisd.org. “Many campuses offer breakfast-in-the-classroom before class starts which is a great benefit to the parents and the students,” stated Lopez. “Children who eat breakfast have a winning edge when it comes to learning.”

Also the CNP provides adult meals to all LISD employees. Adult meal prices are $2.00 for breakfast and $3.00 for lunch. Additional items may be purchased at a la carte pricing.

Additionally, four LISD elementary schools will participate in the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program this year. “Santa Maria, Bruni, Dovalina, and D.D. Hachar Elementary schools will receive fresh fruits and or vegetables as a snack during the day,” Lopez said. “They can look forward to a wide variety of new foods and interesting combinations of fruits and vegetables.”

Furthermore, this school year the CNP will be planning meals to meet the HealthierUS School Challenge. “Schools will be invited to participate in this program that recognizes campuses that take a leadership role in helping students learn to make healthy eating and active lifestyle choices,” added Lopez. “Students will find more whole grain items such as brown rice, whole grain spaghetti, and whole wheat tortillas, as well as, new vegetables that are an excellent source of vitamin A such as baked sweet potatoes and spinach mandarin salad.”

“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (210) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”