On December 13, 2010, President Obama signed into law Public Law 111-296 the Healthy-Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010.  This legislation marks the most comprehensive changes to school nutrition in more than a generation.  The new standards reflect the most current dietary science and are designed to combat childhood obesity & childhood hunger.  Goals of the new legislation are to ensure students are offered both fruits and vegetables every day of the week; increase offerings of whole grain-rich foods; offer only fat-free or low-fat milk varieties; limit calories based on the age of the children being served to ensure proper portion size; and to increase the focus on reducing the amounts of saturated fats, trans fatsa nd sodium.  Implementation of the key changes will be phased in over a three year period, with final changes for sodium targets phased in later years. 

School Breakfast

All of the 38 schools in Pitt County prepare breakfast for their students each morning.  Breakfast is served in the cafeteria and in some cases, the classroom.  Studies have shown numerous positive outcomes when students eat breakfast such as improved attendance, behavior, and test scores.  School Nutrition Services is dedicated to giving students a nutritious start to their day!

School Lunch

All 38 schools in Pitt County provide lunch to their students each day.  This meal offers the student various choices and is specifically developed to meet one-third of the daily nutrient requirements for children.  School lunch is less expensive and more nutritious than most meals packed from home or fast food restaurants. 

USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program                                                                                                          

Belvoir Elementary, Bethel School, and Northwest Elementary School have been awarded USDA Fresh Fruit & Vegetable grants.   Every student at these schools will receive a snack size portion of fresh fruit or fresh vegetable several times a week in their classroom.  Students will also receive a short nutrition lesson as they enjoy the fresh snack.  

Taste Explorer Club                                                                                                         

The Taste Explorers Club is a nutritional education program that introduces participating elementary students to new and healthier food choices each month. Students learn about the food item in their classroom and have samples of it to try. The following day the featured Taste Explorer item is offered in the cafeteria as one of the meal choices for all students in grades Pre-K through 12.

Vending

School Nutrition is responsible for all vending in Pitt County Schools.  Healthy snack options are provided for everyone to choose from.

Catering

School Nutrition Services caters school functions such as faculty meetings, dinners, and banquets.  Individual meals, a buffet, or a variety of snacks and appetizers may be requested.  

Summer Food Service Program

The Summer Food Service Program was established by USDA to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session.  In this program, free, nutritious meals are provided to all children in areas where there are a high number of needy children. Children up to the age of 18 may participate at any Summer Food Service site.

After School

Pitt County School Nutrition Services works with principals and the Community Schools Program to provide snacks for children attending their After School Programs.  These programs allow time for the students to complete homework assignments and participate in various activities with their classmates.  Parents who cannot be at home with their child after school often choose this program as a safe and healthy option.  

Day Care Meals

Several day care centers and Headstart Programs receive meals from school cafeterias across Pitt County.  School Nutrition Services enters into a catering contract to supply healthy meal options that reflect the same high nutrition standards as meals served in our schools.   

Juvenile Detention Meals

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the children at the Juvenile Detention Center are prepared at Wellcome Middle School.  These meals meet the nutritional requirements for the age group being served.

East Carolina Dietetic Internship

Dietetic interns from East Carolina University complete their food service management rotation working with the staff in School Nutrition Services.  Interns are given the opportunity to learn about and participate in the various activities taking place within the schools and programs in the organization.