Gaston County Schools Lunch Menu and Meal Programs

In Gaston County Schools (GCS) in North Carolina, the emphasis on nutrition goes hand-in-hand with academic excellence. The school district prides itself on its school nutrition program, which is not only about serving meals but also about ensuring that each meal contributes positively to students’ health and learning.

A Snapshot of Gaston County Schools Nutrition in 2023-2024

The school year of 2023-2024 at GCS sees the continuation of the commitment to providing well-balanced, nutritious meals. Here’s what parents and students need to know:

• Easy Access to School Menus: Parents and students can easily view weekly menus online, keeping them informed of the delicious and nutritious options available.
• Meal Inclusions: A standard breakfast includes grain/protein, milk, and fruit/juice, while a lunch comprises an entree, milk, vegetable, and fruit.
• Applications for Reduced-Price Meals: For non-CEP schools, parents can apply for reduced-price meals, with eligibility based on household income and size.
• Convenient Payment Options: GCS offers various payment methods, including online payments through the LINQ Connect portal, catering to modern, busy lifestyles.

Gaston County Schools Lunch Menus

GCS’s lunch menus are crafted to be both nutritious and appealing, ensuring students have access to a range of healthy options. Each menu item is selected to meet students’ dietary needs, providing a balanced diet that fuels both their bodies and minds.

At FSL, our volunteers work hard to keep school lunch menus up-to-date. Occasionally, there may be delays due to school district updates or oversight on our part. If you find an outdated menu, please check your school’s page or the district’s official website, linked at the end of our article. We appreciate your understanding and are committed to providing timely updates.

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program

At 40 GCS schools participating in the CEP program, students receive breakfast and lunch free of charge, emphasizing the district’s commitment to ensuring no student goes hungry.

1. Ashbrook High School
2. Beam Elementary
3. Beam Intermediate 
4. Bessemer City Central 
5. Bessemer City Middle
6. Bessemer City High 
7. Bessemer City Primary 
8. Brookside Elementary
9. Carr Elementary
10. Catawba Heights Elementary
11. Chapel Grove Elementary
12. Chavis Middle School
13. Cherryville Elementary
14. Cherryville High School
15. Costner Elementary
16. Gardner Park Elementary
17. Grier Middle School
18. Hunter Huss High School
19. Holbrook Middle School
20. Friday Middle School
21. Kiser Elementary
22. Lingerfeldt Elementary
23. Lowell Elementary
24. Mount Holly Middle
25. North Belmont Elementary
26. North Gaston High School
27. Pinewood Elementary
28. Pleasant Ridge Elementary
29. Rankin Elementary
30. Robinson Elementary
31. Sadler Elementary
32. Sherwood Elementary
33. Southwest Middle School
34. Springfield Elementary
35. Stanley Middle School
36. Tryon Elementary
37. Warlick Academy
38. Webb Street School
39. Woodhill Elementary
40. York Chester Middle School

Gaston County Schools Meal Prices

• Student: Pre-K-Fifth Grade $1:40 ( Breakfast) | Lunch $2.90
• Student: Sixth Grade-High $1:40 (Breakfast) | $3.00 (Lunch)
• School Staff and Adult Guest: $2.00 (Breakfast) | $4.00 (Lunch)

* There is a $0.40 charge for lunch and a $0.30 charge for breakfast for students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Special Dietary Needs: A Focus on Individual Care

Recognizing that some students have specific dietary requirements, GCS encourages parents to complete a diet order form, signed by a recognized medical authority, for personalized meal accommodations. This proactive approach ensures that every student’s health and nutritional needs are met.

School Nutrition Reminders for Parents and Students

GCS provides several reminders to ensure that parents and students make the most of the school nutrition program:

• Meal Selection Requirements: To qualify for the standard meal price, students must select the required number of meal components, with at least one being a fruit or vegetable.
• Meal Charging Policy: While there is a limited charging option for elementary and middle school students, high school students can request a complimentary alternate meal if needed.
• Water Availability: Water is provided free of charge and is readily available during meal times.
• Meal Preparation and Concerns: All meals are prepared following state and federal guidelines. Parents with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to the school principal.

List of Gaston County Schools

There are 30 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and 12 high schools in the Gaston County School District.

Elementary Schools

1. Belmont Central Elementary
2. Bessemer City Central
3. Bessemer City Primary
4. Brookside Elementary
5. Carr Elementary
6. Catawba Heights Elementary
7. Chapel Grove Elementary
8. Cherryville Elementary
9. Costner Elementary
10. Gardner Park Elementary
11. H.H. Beam Elementary
12. Hawks Nest STEAM Academy
13. Kiser Elementary
14. Lingerfeldt Elementary
15. Lowell Elementary
16. McAdenville Elementary
17. New Hope Elementary
18. North Belmont Elementary
19. Page Primary
20. Pinewood Elementary
21. Pleasant Ridge Elementary
22. Rankin Elementary
23. Robinson Elementary
24. Sadler Elementary
25. Sherwood Elementary
26. Springfield Elementary
27. Tryon Elementary
28. W.A. Bess Elementary
29. W.B. Beam Intermediate
30. Woodhill Elementary

Middle Schools

1. Belmont Middle
2. Bessemer City Middle
3. Cramerton Middle
4. Grier Middle
5. Holbrook Middle
6. John Chavis Middle
7. Mount Holly Middle
8. Southwest Middle
9. Stanley Middle
10. W.C. Friday Middle
11. York Chester Middle

High Schools

1. Ashbrook High
2. Bessemer City High
3. Cherryville High
4. East Gaston High
5. Forestview High
6. Gaston Early College
7. Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences
8. Highland School of Technology
9. Hunter Huss High
10. North Gaston High
11. South Point High
12. Stuart W. Cramer High

Stay Updated with FSL

For the latest information on school lunch programs, including Gaston County Schools, visit FSL regularly. And for direct updates from GCS, please check the official Gaston County School District website.

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Gaston County Schools’ dedication to a robust nutrition program is an integral part of their educational philosophy. By providing students with the necessary nutrients for learning and growth, GCS plays a pivotal role in shaping a healthier, brighter future for the community.