Welcome to the Nutrition Center at Alpha Academy Charter School!

Important Policy Update for the 2025–26 School Year

WE WILL NOT BE PROVIDING FREE LUNCH TO STUDENTS WHO ARRIVE WITHOUT A MEAL.

Key Points for Parents

Meal Pricing

At Alpha Academy, we are committed to ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals. The standard meal price is now $4.60 per day. However, families are encouraged to apply for the Free & Reduced (F&R) Meal Program.
 Students who qualify based on income eligibility will receive meals at a reduced cost of $4.10 per day or for reduced lunch, ensuring all students have the opportunity to eat well and succeed in school.

  • One Courtesy Meal
     Each student is eligible for ONE (1) courtesy lunch that may be paid for at a later date under extenuating circumstances.
     After that one-time courtesy meal, parents/guardians will be contacted immediately and required to bring lunch for their child.
     Please ensure your current phone number and email address are on file so we can reach you without delay.
  • Updated Meal Price
     The cost of a paid lunch is now $4.60 per day for the 2025–26 school year.
     No exceptions will be made to the listed price.
  • Free & Reduced-Price Lunch Applications
    • The online application will be available on the day of Virtual Orientation (date TBA).
    • All students—new and returning—must submit a new application by September 30, 2025.
    • Failure to submit by the deadline will automatically change the student’s status to “Full Pay.”
    • All new students must apply before the first day of school.
    • Submission of the application does not guarantee qualification. Eligibility is determined strictly by household income and the number of people living in the household.

Important Information for Returning Students

  • ALL RETURNING STUDENTS MUST FILL OUT A NEW APPLICATION BY SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, or their status will automatically convert to full-price status until a new application is processed.
  • Only one application per household is needed, listing all students enrolled at Alpha Academy.
  • Please make sure a current and active email address is on file to receive important notices from the Nutrition Department, including low balance alerts.

Understanding Our Meal Programs

Here, you’ll find detailed information about our meal programs, including:

  • Menus: Weekly and monthly menus to help you and your child plan their meals.
  • Nutritional Guidelines: Detailed information on the nutritional standards we follow.
  • School Nutrition Initiatives: Learn about programs and campaigns to promote healthy eating.

Federal and State Nutritional Standards

Federal Guidelines

We follow the USDA’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP), which ensure that meals include:

  • Age-appropriate calorie ranges
  • Proper portion sizes
  • Nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy
  • Limits on saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and added sugars

North Carolina Standards

The state further enhances these guidelines by emphasizing:

  • Fresh, locally grown produce
  • Nutrition education integrated into the curriculum
  • Smart Snacks standards for snacks sold on campus

Menu Planning and Staff Training

  • Diverse Dietary Needs: We accommodate students with allergies or dietary restrictions.
  • Professional Development: Ongoing training ensures our nutrition staff stay up-to-date with best practices and compliance standards.

Monitoring and Compliance

Our meal program is regularly reviewed by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) to ensure quality, safety, and compliance. We welcome feedback and continually strive to improve our services.

Benefits of Following Nutritional Standards

  • Improved academic focus and performance
  • Better physical and emotional health
  • Reduced food insecurity
  • Encouragement of lifelong healthy eating habits
  • Lower absenteeism and health-related disruptions
  • Increased support for local agriculture and the economy
  • Greater community engagement and understanding

We are committed to fostering a healthy eating environment and look forward to supporting your child’s educational journey with wholesome food choices.
 Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s nutrition.