![\"Exchange](\"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/ExchangePost\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/05\/School-Lunch-Program-e1556728516702.jpg\")
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DALLAS<\/strong> \u2013 All Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools outside the continental United States (OCONUS) will adjust school lunch pricing by 25 cents for the 2019\u20132020 school year. This change is due the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (Public Law 111-296) which requires participants in the U.S. Department of Agriculture meal program to raise paid student lunch prices to a level comparable to the rates used for USDA reimbursement.<\/p>\n Every year, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service\u2019s school meal program provides 2.5 million lunches to Warfighters\u2019 children<\/a> at 80 Department of Defense schools in Europe and the Pacific. The Exchange provides affordable school lunches as a service to the military community, pricing each meal, on average, approximately $2 below the actual cost of $5.50 per plate. DoDEA and USDA reimburse the Exchange for direct costs of the school meal program not recouped.<\/p>\n Nutritional standards for Exchange student meals are set by the Exchange\u2019s registered dietitian in accordance with USDA guidelines. All menu items are baked and never fried, and meals must have zero grams of trans fat. All meals served must include a fruit or vegetable and adhere to nutrient standards for calories, sodium and fat for different age groups.<\/p>\n The lunch price for elementary (kindergarten through fifth grade) and secondary (sixth through 12th<\/sup> grades) students\u2019 for the 2019-2020 school year will be $3.25 and $3.50 respectively. Breakfast prices (at participating locations only) for all grades will be $1.75. Per federal guidelines, families who qualifying for free meals receive lunch and breakfast at no cost, and families who qualify for reduced meals will still pay $0.40 per lunch and $0.30 for breakfast.<\/p>\n For more information on the Exchange\u2019s school meal program, visit http:\/\/www.aafes.com\/about-exchange\/school-lunch-program<\/a>.<\/p>\n Facebook Friendly Version: <\/strong>To meet rising operational costs and comply with federal law, school lunch prices will increase by 25 cents at Department of Defense Education Activity schools outside the continental United States for the 2019-20 school year. Read more: https:\/\/wp.me\/p9Q7PG-Yb<\/a>.<\/p>\n — 30 —<\/p>\n Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 61st-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.4 billion in dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs over the last 10 years. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http:\/\/www.shopmyexchange.com<\/a> or follow us on Twitter at https:\/\/twitter.com\/ExchangePAO<\/a>.<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n Media Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Chris Ward, 214-312-3861 or wardchr@aafes.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Follow the Exchange:<\/p>\n Facebook:\u00a0 www.facebook.com\/shopmyexchange<\/a><\/p>\n Twitter:\u00a0 https:\/\/twitter.com\/shopmyexchange<\/a><\/p>\n