• GCS School Nutrition Department

     

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    • Enjoying nutritious meals is an important part of the school day.  Gaston County Schools is proud of its school nutrition program and the hundreds of employees who work each day to prepare well-balanced meals for students.

       

      The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program

      W.A. Bess is 1 of 45 schools in GCS that qualify for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program which offers universal free breakfast and lunch for all students and do not have to fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals. If a child would like to purchase any items that are not part of the school meal, such as snacks and ice cream, they will need money in their meal account or cash in order to do so. This is an exciting benefit and School Nutrition is hopeful that many families will take advantage of this opportunity.

       

      Adults do not receive free meals under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program:  

      Lunch cost for staff and visitors is $4.00

       

      Holiday Meals  (Adult Holiday Meal Price $5.00)

      Tuesday, November 19, 2024

      • K, 1st, and 3rd grade parents are invited to the holiday meal.

      Wednesday, December 10, 2024

      • 2nd, 4th, and 5th grade parents are invited to the holiday meal.

       

      How do parents pay for their child to receive extra snacks or ice cream not included in the meal?
      Cash, checks, and money orders are acceptable forms of payment in school cafeterias.  Parents wishing to pay by credit or debit card may click here to set up an account on the LINQ Connect portal (formerly called Family Titan Portal).

      Students/parents who used the online portal last year will need to create an account in the LINQ Connect system for this year.  Any balances from last school year will be rolled over. 

      What is included in a school meal?
      A breakfast meal includes an entree made with grain and/or protein, fat-free or 1% milk, and fruit and/or juice (limit of one juice per meal).  A lunch meal includes an entree made with grain and/or protein, fat-free or 1% milk, vegetable, and fruit. 

       

      Each cafeteria staff strives to provide well-balanced meals for students and staff.  Meals are prepared using state and federal guidelines to ensure they are healthy and meet dietary requirements.  Parents who have a question or concern about meals served in the cafeteria should contact the school principal for information.

       

      Water is available for students at no charge and without restriction when meals are being served at school.

       

      How can I find my child's school menu?

      Click here to see what is being served each week at your child's school. 

       

      What if my child has a special dietary need?

      If a student has a special dietary need and/or the need for a unique meal time, parents should complete a diet order form; the form must be signed by a recognized medical authority.  Contact the school cafeteria manager, the school nurse, or the School Nutrition Office, 500 Reid Street, Lowell, for a diet order form or click here to download it from the Gaston County Schools website.
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