School Nutrition Special Meal Accommodations for Ramadan

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) offers meal accommodations for students observing Ramadan as the school division is committed to supporting the diverse needs of our student community. In alignment with guidance from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), ACPS will provide meal accommodations for students observing Ramadan from Feb. 18, 2026 to Mar. 19, 2026.

Under the Ramadan 2026 Non-Congregate Meals Waiver, ACPS will offer the following meal service adjustments:

• Non-Congregate Meal Options: Students who are fasting for Ramadan will have the option to take their meals home instead of consuming them on-site. The non-congregate meal options will be offered at all ACPS schools during lunch. Meal costs will align with student status (i.e., Paid, Free and Reduced, or Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school designation). For the safety of students, all meals will be shelf-stable.

Guidelines for Participation:

• Only students in attendance on the day meals are distributed will be eligible to receive non-congregate meals.
• ACPS will ensure that duplicate meals are not distributed to any student.
• Participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP) and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is voluntary. If a student chooses to eat during the school day, meals will not be denied based on assumed fasting.

These adjustments aim to support students who are observing Ramadan while maintaining access to nutritious meals. Parents and guardians with questions are encouraged to contact their child’s school or email the ACPS Nutrition Services Department.

For more information, please visit the ACPS website or contact the ACPS Nutrition Services Department at food@acps.k12.va.us.