Citrus County Boosts Nutrition with New Super Snack for Students!

Citrus County Boosts Nutrition with New Super Snack for Students!

In a commendable effort to bolster student health and well-being, the Citrus County School District has rolled out an innovative meal initiative designed to support children engaged in after-school activities. This comes amid a state mandate requiring all 67 Florida school districts to provide breakfast and lunch at school premises. Citrus County is taking a step further by introducing the „Super Snack,“ aimed at nourishing students participating in athletics, band, YMCA programs, and various clubs. As Food and Nutrition Services Director Roy Pistone aptly puts it, “Children can learn without books, but a child cannot learn without food.”

The Super Snack program is not just about nutrition; it is a strategic move to enhance the overall learning experience. To ensure that students are fueled for their continued participation in extracurricular activities, these snacks are carefully crafted to include a minimum of 19 grams of protein, along with whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and milk. The school district is collaborating with the Florida Department of Health to ensure these nutritious meals are provided free of charge. By adding a requirement for 15 to 20 minutes of academic enrichment while enjoying their Super Snacks, the district is fostering both nutrition and learning in its students.

Access and Sustainability

What does this mean for the families in Citrus County? With approximately 70% of students qualified for free or reduced meal programs, the Super Snack initiative is a welcome boost to many households. Citrus County, alongside Polk and Hernando districts, is part of the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows schools to serve free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students. This provision is critical in ensuring that no child goes hungry, granting every student equal access to nutritious meals. As highlighted by the Food Research & Action Center, the expansion of these CEP initiatives this year has been influenced by new policies that provide necessary financial support for free meal programs, driving state engagement in Medicaid Direct Certification efforts.

The CEP is making a tangible difference: many students are now being directly certified for free school meals through participating in means-tested programs such as SNAP. The recent growth in the adoption of the CEP underscores a growing recognition of the need for food security among students. As of the 2024-2025 school year, 44 states, including Florida, utilize such measures for direct meal certification, significantly impacting vulnerable families.

Community Commitment

The Citrus County School District’s commitment to maintaining compliance with federal civil rights laws and USDA regulations further solidifies the program’s integrity. The district is firmly prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, or other protected statuses, ensuring that meals and resources are available to all students without prejudice. The district also extends its commitment to help those with disabilities by providing alternative communication methods for information about meal programs.

For families seeking additional information about meal assistance or to file a complaint regarding discrimination, resources are readily available. The USDA’s TARGET Center can be contacted, and forms to file complaints are accessible online, reinforcing the commitment to equity and support. The U.S. Department of Agriculture emphasizes that ensuring every eligible child has access to healthy meals is paramount.

In a nutshell, the Citrus County School District is not just serving meals; it’s fostering a supportive environment where education and health go hand in hand. With initiatives like the Super Snack program, the district is doing its part to ensure that all children have the nourishment they need to thrive, both in and out of the classroom.

For more information, visit Bay News 9, Citrus Schools Food & Nutrition Services, and Food Research & Action Center.