In order for a meal to be complete, it must contain certain minimum components.
The great news about choosing a complete meal is you will get the most for your money, maximize nutrition, and do the best job of filling your student up! Since our lines are "offer vs. serve" to allow students to make choices as they go through the line, it is important that they know how to choose a complete meal.
If your student qualifies for free meals, there will be no charge for their complete meal. If your student qualifies for reduced price meals, the 40¢ cost for lunch is currently being paid by the district (this means a student may have a meal eligibility of reduced; however, still not have to pay for school meals). If you pay regular price for school meals, a complete meal still offers the best deal for your money. For more details about offer vs. serve and choosing a complete meal.
A cost comparison using a chicken burger as an entrée purchase, and as the main entrée of a complete meal is shown below.
- As entrée only, the chicken burger would cost $2.75
- As part of a complete meal that includes at least three different components, and up to five (i.e., protein, fruit, vegetable and milk) the meal cost is:
$3.00 - elementary level (regular price)
$3.25 - middle and/or high school level (regular price)
The sample tray shown on the right includes a chicken burger as the main entrée of a complete meal. Students may choose all the fruits and vegetables they can eat from the fruit and vegetable salad bar.
