Lunch time, to some students, is the highlight of their day; there’s the socializing with friends, lunch-time activities, and, of course, the food.  The school’s thirty-five minute lunch period is a time for students to take a break from the classrooms and give them a chance to refuel with some food.

With students having such busy schedules, many cannot find the time in the morning to pack a lunch or even grab themselves breakfast before school.  Luckily for these students, the food services at San Juan Hills High School offer a variety of entrees available for lunch, as well as breakfast.

“We serve breakfast for students daily beginning at 7:10 in the morning up until the bell rings,” said Dawn Kardos, food services supervisor.

“For lunches this year we have a special menu that will change every three months,” says Kardos.

This rotating menu will allow a range of foods to be served instead of being stuck with the same options throughout the school year.  A school lunch, which includes a choice of an entrée, two sides and milk, only costs three dollars this year.  Although the price of a lunch is low, all of those purchased school lunches can really add up for students who get them on a regular basis.

San Juan Hills High School participates in the Free and Reduced Price School Meals program, which is exactly as it sounds.

“Those that qualify are entitled to a free breakfast and a lunch, and get a choice of any of the items served,” said Kardos.

“To some kids, these might be their only real, solid meal for the day.  

The nice thing about it is that it is kept very anonymous.  There are different qualifications for the program which is dealt with through the federal government and the school district,” said Principal Tom Ressler.

There are roughly a few hundred students at San Juan Hills High School currently apart of this great program, but everyone is encouraged to apply.  

“I wish everyone would take advantage of this program because it really is a great deal,” said Kardos.

Applications can still be obtained from the school offices and may be submitted at any time in the year.  Whether a student is eligible for free or reduced lunches or not is determined by the federal government.  

For more information on the requirements for this beneficial program, be sure to visit the program’s website at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/lunch/.