Thousands Of CPS Students Enjoy Free Lunch On First Day Back
CHICAGO (CBS) -- There's no such thing as a free lunch, unless you're a CPS student.
All 400,000 are now eligible for free breakfast and lunch thanks to a change in federal rules.
CBS 2's Derrick Blakley reports at Lorca Elementary, students lined up to choose between bright green broccoli and colorful carrots and for students here and throughout CPS, every bite is free.
"It just makes it easier for the parents at home," said principal July Cyrwus. "They don't have to worry about packing a healthy lunch because it's provided here free for the students."
So many CPS students, more than 90 percent, qualify as low-income, new federal rules allow the system to serve all meals free. The new citywide vendor, Aramark, says economies of scale allow for better food as well
"Every student now eats the same healthy, nutritious meal from the same menu, regardless of the capability of their school. Their meals are fresh, never frozen," said Trevor Ferguson of Aramark.
Students get to choose but must pick at least three items from five food groups: fruits, vegetables, protein, grains and milk. Even those chicken nuggets are healthier.
"Our chicken nugget is a whole muscle chicken nugget with whole grain breading as opposed to a pressed and formed nugget in the past," said Leslie Fowler, executive director for CPS nutrition.
CPS only gets reimbursed for meals actually served. The more students who eat, the more income they receive.
With more students expected to take part, CPS could an additional two million meals this year and receive around $6 million in added revenue.
