Nourishing Minds and Bodies: Free Healthy School Meals at Athenian Academy

At Athenian Academy, we believe that healthy students are better learners. That’s why we are committed to providing nutritious meals that fuel both the body and the mind, supporting every child’s academic success, well-being, and lifelong healthy habits.

Thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), all Athenian Academy students receive free breakfast and lunch every school day. This program helps ensure that every child, regardless of family income, has access to the meals they need to stay energized, focused, and ready to learn. We also offer Breakfast in the Classroom, making it even easier for students to start their day with a nutritious meal without missing valuable classroom time.

Why School Meals Matter

Research consistently shows a strong link between good nutrition, physical activity, and academic achievement. Well-nourished students are more likely to:

• Concentrate better in class
  
  
• Retain more information
  
  
• Demonstrate positive behavior
  
  
• Experience fewer health problems
  
  

At Athenian Academy, providing healthy meals is not just about filling stomachs—it’s part of our commitment to nurturing the whole child.

Our Wellness Commitment

The Athenian Academy Board has adopted a Wellness Policy (Policy 3014) designed to promote both physical and mental health. This policy recognizes the important role that nutrition and fitness play in helping students learn, thrive, and develop lifelong healthy habits.

Our Wellness Committee, composed of parents, educators, health professionals, and community members, helps oversee our wellness initiatives. The committee works to ensure that our school environment consistently promotes:

• Healthy eating
  
  
• Regular physical activity
  
  
• Nutrition education
  
  
• A safe and inclusive learning space
  
  

What We Provide: Nutritious Meals Every Day

Here’s what families can expect from the Athenian Academy school meal program:

🥗 Free Breakfast and Lunch for Every Student
Balanced meals are available at no cost to all students each school day.

🥛 Nutrition-Focused Meal Options
Meals include healthy choices like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy, in line with USDA nutritional standards.

🚰 Water Availability Throughout the Day
Hydration is encouraged with easy access to water stations and the option for students to bring water bottles.

🚸 Accommodations for Special Dietary Needs
For students with disabilities, food allergies, intolerances, or other medical conditions, special meals and accommodations are available. Parents can contact Ashley Smith, Kitchen Manager, at ashleysmith@aea.rocks to make arrangements.

❌ No Energy Drinks or Soda
To support healthy choices, energy drinks are prohibited, and carbonated beverages are allowed only with administrative approval.

🎉 Healthy Celebrations and Smart Snacking
Classroom celebrations are encouraged to focus on fun, healthy activities rather than just food. When food is involved, healthy snack choices are prioritized.

How Parents Can Support the Program

While meals are free for all students, families play an important role in helping Athenian Academy continue to qualify for valuable programs like CEP. We kindly ask parents to complete the Income Verification Form—a simple process that helps our school secure funding to keep these programs going.

Your participation makes a big difference in supporting not just your child, but the entire Athenian community.

Promoting Healthy Habits Beyond the Cafeteria

At Athenian Academy, wellness goes beyond what’s on the lunch tray. Our classrooms and physical education programs also emphasize:

• Age-appropriate physical activity
  
  
• Nutrition education across subjects like science, math, and social studies
  
  
• Positive role modeling from teachers and staff
  
  
• Activities that encourage students to explore and enjoy healthy living
  
  

Join Us in Creating a Healthy Learning Environment

We are proud to serve meals that help students grow strong, stay focused, and achieve their best. Together with families, teachers, and the community, we’re building an environment where wellness, learning, and healthy living go hand in hand.

For more information about our meal program, wellness policy, or special accommodations, feel free to contact us today.