OP here, I did not realize that this varied school by school. My child's school does provide free breakfast to all students. I had no idea what FARMS meant at all either. This school stuff is so new to me. Another question, is cereal an option there? I see the breakfast menu online but not sure if cereal is an option there on the menu. Does anyone know? I am fully aware that I can call the school to ask, but I feel like a pest already.

I was unaware of the free breakfast. It is not offered at my MCPS school - unless you qualify. Those who use the before care can buy a breakfast at the cafeteria. We use lunchmoney.com where we put money into an account and the kids use their "number" to by food (no card, each student is assigned a PIN). I am fortunate that I can feed my kids a breakfast at home before they go to school each morning.

My school will not let you buy something you don't have money for. They will provide a cheese sandwich and milk to a hungry child but that is it. My kids hate the school meals so that same $10 I sent in in K may last though 12th grade.

Anonymous wrote:My child's school cafeteria (in MCPS) does not take money, but more like a "debit card" that needs a PIN. You can add to the value of the card online (with small service charge) - or send in a check to the school office (no service charge).

Yes, the debit cards are the new way to go.

Keep in mind, however, that schools will not deny kids food. So if the card is holding $2 and a kid buys something that's over $2, you will receive a bill. My friend's daughter was buying breakfast for her friend, too! very funny story

But it pays to keep track and to explain to your child how that works.

If a kid is on free and reduced meals (FARMs), then s/he will either pay at a discounted rate or receive free meals. If the school is the exception, 99% FARMs, for example, I doubt the 1% will have to pay.

Forty elementary schools in MoCo have free breakfast for everyone this year - the schools had to apply for it and had to have an overall FARMS rate over a certain percentage to be able to apply (can't remember what it was - maybe 40 percent?)

My child's school cafeteria (in MCPS) does not take money, but more like a "debit card" that needs a PIN. You can add to the value of the card online (with small service charge) - or send in a check to the school office (no service charge).

My daughter has breakfast served in her kindergarten class. It depends on the school.

Anonymous wrote:My son had free breakfast in his room last year - Title I (and an extremely high FARMS rate) and K class. Not sure if that makes a difference. Also free milk at lunch, whether they qualified for free lunch or not.
New school this year and breakfast is not universally free.
I think I read somewhere that the free-for-all breakfast was an experiment of some sort?

Starting K this year, High FARMS and Title I school. Forms say we have to pay for Breakfast as we don't qualify for FARMS but who knows.... I'll ask when DD gets home.

My son had free breakfast in his room last year - Title I (and an extremely high FARMS rate) and K class. Not sure if that makes a difference. Also free milk at lunch, whether they qualified for free lunch or not.
New school this year and breakfast is not universally free.
I think I read somewhere that the free-for-all breakfast was an experiment of some sort?

Anonymous wrote:I would look into the quality of breakfast before getting too excited...

Well, looks like the snobs are up early.

Anonymous wrote:Seems to cost $1.30 unless you qualify for free meals.

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/foodserv/menus/pdf/eng_elem_augsept.pdf

Yup it cost unless you are FARMS even at a Title I school

Seems to cost $1.30 unless you qualify for free meals.

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/foodserv/menus/pdf/eng_elem_augsept.pdf

Not at all elementary schools. Many Title I schools have a universal breakfast program, where students eat breakfast in the classroom, but it's not at all of the schools. I don't know if this is just for Title I, or if others have it too. The breakfast is pretty crummy, though. I'd probably have them chug a yogurt at the bus stop.

I would look into the quality of breakfast before getting too excited...

I can't find the information online but heard that all children eat breakfast for free at elementary schools. Is this true? Do I need to send my child any money for breakfast?