A healthy child is a happy child, and that starts with the proper nutrition to get through the day. All schools participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Our lunches are required to meet specific nutritional guidelines according to different grade level groups (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12). For more detailed information about the federal regulations please visit the USDA National School Lunch Program homepage.
Our Mission
The School Nutrition Department aims to provide appealing and nutritionally balanced meals to the students, staff, and other patrons of the school community, while maintaining fiscal responsibility and contributing to the quality of the educational experience.
SNAP
SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) provides food benefits to eligible families to supplement their food budget. The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and the Virginia Department of Education, Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs (VDOE-SCNP), are collaborating to help decrease food insecurity among school-age children across the Commonwealth and remove the negative stigma associated with SNAP.
Learn more about SNAP on the VDSS website.
Community Eligibility Provision
Ashland Elementary, Elmont Elementary, and Mechanicsville Elementary have been selected to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. By participating in this program, all students at these schools will have access to school breakfast and lunch at no cost to families. Review the Community Eligibility Provision FAQ document for any questions you may have.
LINQ
Access and make payments toward your student's meal account via our LINQ system. Review LINQ's FAQ document for any questions you may have. Please note that effective January 1, 2024, LINQ will charge a 3.95% convenience fee for electronic payments submitted through LINQ Connect with a minimum fee of $2.85 per transaction. ACH and eCheck transactions will have a flat fee of $1.85 per transaction. For questions or concerns, please contact LINQ directly.
Menus
All of our school menus can be accessed online.
Online Payments & Account Management
You will be able to check your child's balance, view their purchases, and add money to your child's meal account using your VISA, MasterCard, or Discover Card through our new vendor (coming soon).
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Please be sure to bring your meal account in the school cafeteria up to date by paying off all the charged meals before the end of the school year.
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Positive and negative account balances will automatically carry over to the next school year as your child moves up a grade or to a new school.
School Meal Prices
The table below details the 2024-2025 school meal prices. Please visit the Free and Reduced Meals webpage to learn more about the process to apply for free and reduced meals.
| Lunch (Elementary) |
$3.45 |
| Lunch (Middle) |
$3.50 |
| Lunch (High) |
$3.60 |
| Lunch (Reduced - All Grades) |
$0.40 |
| Breakfast (All Grades) |
$2.00 |
| Breakfast (Reduced - All Grades) |
$0.30 |
| Milk (A La Carte) |
$0.50 |
| Adult Lunch |
$4.65 |
Food Allergies & Disabilities
Hanover County Public Schools has a responsibility to serve well-balanced meals to all students. We will provide alternate foods for students with a disability (i.e., cerebral palsy, metabolic disorders, etc.), if requested. The School Nutrition Department must receive written documentation from your child’s doctor. The doctor’s note should state the disability and/or allergy and what foods are appropriate. Diet order forms are available through our office.
A food intolerance or an allergy that does not cause anaphylaxis does not meet the definition of a disability. We are happy to work with you and your child to find alternative items on the menu whenever possible.
Children with a non-disabling milk allergy or lactose intolerance can ask the food service staff for a cup of water with their meal or request lactose-free milk by contacting the registered dietitian. No other beverage substitutions are allowed.
Please call our office at 365-4654 to receive a diet modification form or to speak with our Registered Dietitian about your questions or concerns.
Local School Wellness Policy
Hanover County strives to promote proper nutrition and physical activity to enhance overall wellness and academic success. Please view our wellness policy and the triennial assessment for more information.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Hanover County is an equal opportunity provider. Please view our non-discrimination policy for more information.
Contact Us
Central Food Services
Cafeteria Managers
723-3675
723-3675
723-3675