A La Carte/Snack Items Available in the Cafeteria

Tue, 10/31/2023 - 11:24am

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) participates in the National School Meal Programs. As a participant, the HCPSS Food and Nutrition Service adheres to the applicable regulations for the sale of meals and snacks to students.

Snacks will be available to purchase for students in 1st-5th grade at SFES.  Children who buy lunch from the cafeteria and children who bring their lunch from home will be able to purchase a snack after all lunches are served.  Students will only be permitted to purchase one snack per day. This practice was suspended during the pandemic when all meals were free for all students. Please note that if a family qualifies for free or reduced meals, snacks are available for purchase only.  There are no free or reduced price options for snacks.

Below is a list of the snacks that are available to purchase. 

  • Cookies 50¢
  • Pretzels 75¢
  • Rice Krispie Treat $1.00

Please read below for additional information and have a conversation with your child about snacks in the cafeteria.

Parents must discuss acceptable a la carte/snack purchasing for their children. For instance, is it okay to purchase one snack every day, once a week, or is snack purchasing not allowable for the family? The cafeteria staff will be unaware of the family decision.

Children may not purchase snacks for their peers, and snacks cannot be shared (just like other food items).

A la carte/snack sales can either be made by cash or monies available on student lunch accounts. 

If sending in cash, this must be the exact amount for the one purchased snack, or a bill of $1.00. Change for purchased items will be placed back on to the child’s account. 

Parents have the right to restrict a la carte/snack purchasing for their students. To add restrictions to a food service account (placing a limit or blocking the student’s account for a la carte items), parents may contact the Food and Nutrition Service office at 410-313-6738 or 410-313-6744.