APS to Offer Meal Accommodations for Students Observing Ramadan

Arlington Public Schools will offer 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), APS will provide meal accommodations for students observing Ramadan from Feb. 18 to March 19.

Under the Ramadan 2026 Non-Congregate Meals Waiver, APS 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 APS 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.
• APS 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 on the assumption of fasting.

Families with questions are encouraged to contact APS Food Services Department at 703-228-8000, option 4.