Piscataway Township Schools leaders are excited to offer free breakfast to all students for the 2024-25 school year – a move that is expected to help more children start their day off right at minimal cost to the district.

The plan is being put into action by the district’s new food services company, Maschio’s Food Services, and the district’s Business Office, headed by Business Administrator David Oliveira.

“We all know how important breakfast is to growing bodies,” Oliveira said. “A student who starts off their school day hungry is already a step behind when it comes to having a productive day in the classroom. We want to ensure that every Piscataway student who wants to eat breakfast has that opportunity in our schools.”

Oliveira explained that the district is partially reimbursed from the state and federal governments for every meal served in school. That rate is higher for students who qualify for free meals based on their annual School Meals and Summer EBT application. He also said that some students who qualified for free meals in the past may not have taken advantage of breakfast because they didn’t want to leave their friends to go to the cafeteria. But with everyone now offered free breakfast, he expects more students to take advantage, increasing the overall participation in the program.

“We don’t expect it to amount to a large financial factor,” he said, “and the return on investment in terms of helping our students and families is immeasurable.”

All families are still strongly encouraged to fill out the School Meals and Summer EBT application to see if they qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. Completed applications carry a number of benefits for families, such as reduced academic and school fees, as well as ensuring the district receives all the state financial support it is entitled to.

“I’m thrilled that Mr. Oliveira and Maschio’s were able to work out a plan that will give more students access to free breakfast,” said Superintendent Dr. Frank Ranelli. “Our district makes it a priority to care for the whole child, and good nutrition is a big part of that. Meeting a student’s basic needs allows that student to come into class ready to learn and be their best self. It’s a win-win situation.”