Skip to main content

GUFS Free School Lunch Program Begins September 2 – Details & What to Expect

Posted Date: 8/28/25 (3:00 PM)
View Original Post

Dear Garrison Families,


As we prepare to welcome students back on Tuesday, September 2, we’re excited to announce the launch of our Free School Lunch Program, available to all students starting on the first day of school.


This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting student wellness and ensuring that every child has access to a nutritious meal each day. Below are key details to help your family prepare:

Free Lunch for Every Student

  • No registration or account is required. Every student is automatically eligible.

  • Students simply request a lunch during their first-period class.

  • Multiple lunch options will be available each day, allowing students to choose what best suits their tastes and dietary needs.

Monthly Menu & Daily Choices

  • Our food service partner, Whitsons, will post a monthly menu featuring a variety of daily selections.

  • You can view the menu here or find it on the Garrison District website under the School Section at https://www.gufs.org/281363_2.

  • We encourage families to review the menu together so students arrive ready to make their selection.

Daily Lunch Counts

To help us coordinate with Putnam Valley’s and Whitsons’ food service team:

  • Students must notify their first-period teacher each morning of their lunch choice.

  • This helps us ensure accurate counts and minimize disruptions to instructional time.


If your child will be arriving late (after the beginning of period 1) but still wishes to have lunch, please email lunch@gufs.org by 9:30 AM.  This email account will become active on 9/2/25.

Dietary Restrictions & Allergies

  • The online menu includes an “Allergen & Dietary” filter to help identify safe options.

  • For additional support:

    • Contact Dave Danarello, Food Service Manager: dnanarello@pvcsd.org

    • Alternatively, you can reach out to Nurse Melissa, who can work directly with Whitsons to address any concerns.

À La Carte Purchases (Coming Soon!)

  • Students will soon be able to purchase additional items through Putnam Valley’s MySchoolBucks system.

  • A funded MySchoolBucks account is required for à la carte purchases.

  • Free lunch does not require an account.

  • Setup instructions will be shared once our school is added to their system.


We’re grateful for our continued partnership with the Putnam Valley Central School District and Whitsons, and we are proud to offer this important service to our students. Thank you for your support, cooperation, and patience as we launch this program.


If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.


Warm regards,


Dr. Greg Stowell
Superintendent 

Garrison Union Free School District



[Thursday, Aug 28 at 3:58 PM]
Dear GUFS Community,

If the lunch menu link directs you to their "Find Your Location" landing page, please enter "Garrison" and select "Putnam Valley Garrison School, NY" to access Whitsons' menu. Please note that you may need to select the desired month to view the correct menu. Thank you!