2026/2027 School Year
Dear Valley Stream Central High School District Families,
The Valley Stream Central High School District is proud to announce that, for the third consecutive year, all students will receive free breakfast and free lunch during the 2026-2027 school year through the New York State Universal Free School Meals Program. Providing nutritious meals to students supports their health, well-being, and academic success while helping families save on food costs.
School Meals
Each student is eligible to receive one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day during scheduled meal service times. Students may also purchase additional meals, snacks, beverages, and other a la carte items.
MySchoolBucks
The District cafeteria program operates as a cashless system during the school day. To make purchasing a la carte items easy and efficient, the District uses a pre-payment system through MySchoolBucks. With this system, students do not exchange cash in the schools.
If you do not already have a free account, you may visit www.MySchoolBucks.com to register. This online payment service offers a convenient way to add money to your child’s meal account using a credit/debit card or electronic check. There are different fee options available when making online payments. Please note that the District does not receive any portion of these service fees. You will always have the opportunity to review any applicable fees and cancel the transaction before being charged.
For families who prefer not to use the online system, payments may also be made by giving cash or a check to the cafeteria cashier to be applied directly to your child’s meal account. Cash given to the cafeteria cashier will be deposited into the student’s account; however, no change can be provided at the time of deposit.
District Policy 8505 – Charging School Meals and Prohibition Against Shaming
As outlined in District Policy 8505 –students with a negative account balance are not permitted to purchase a la carte items (snacks). We encourage families to monitor and maintain a positive balance. Account balances can be viewed at any time through your MySchoolBucks account.
Important: Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application
Although meals are free for all students, it remains very important for eligible families to complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application. These applications may help students qualify for reduced AP exam fees, college application assistance, discounts for certain educational services, potential Summer EBT benefits, and help the District secure important funding and resources.
Halal Meal Options
Halal meal options are available at every school within the District.
Special Dietary Needs
Meal accommodations are available for students with disabilities, food allergies, and other medically documented dietary needs.
Questions?
Should you have any inquiries or require information regarding school meals, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Food Service Office:
Brian Tierney
Food Service Office
Phone: (516) 872-7784
Email: Tierney-brian1@aramark.com
Supporting Student Success Every Day
The Valley Stream Central High School District is committed to ensuring that every student has access to healthy, nutritious meals each school day. We are proud to continue offering this valuable program and thank our families for their ongoing partnership in supporting student health, wellness, and academic achievement.
Sincerely,
Thomas P. McDaid, Jr., Esq
Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027)(link is external) found online at: How to File a Complaint(link is external), and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov(link sends e-mail).
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Important Links
Locate a Free Summer meals programs near you
When school is out for summer, go to
www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks
Text: “food” or “comida” to 877-877
Call: 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 211
https://www.fns.usda.gov/meals4kids
www.summermealsny.org
Long Island Cares locations: Lawrence, East Meadow and Wantagh for summer meals.
New York State Wellness Policy
