The San Diego Unified School District is providing 'to-go meals' for students fasting during Ramadan. The district’s Food & Nutrition Services, Sandi Coast Cafe, has created a special menu to ensure nutrition security and health equity for students during this time.

Thanks to a waiver from the California Department of Education, school districts can now offer noncongregate meals as part of the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs. Since Ramadan fasting typically occurs from sunrise to sunset, this program allows students to receive meals after the fast ends.

“This initiative, supported by the state waiver and our nutrition staff’s efforts, ensures we can meet the needs of students observing Ramadan,” said Alicia Pitrone Hauser, Director of Food & Nutrition Services.

San Diego Unified is one of only five districts in the county offering this service.

“I’m grateful this program is available for my children during Ramadan,” said Mohammad Jawad Shirzai, a parent at Mira Mesa High School. “It’s a wonderful example of America’s acceptance of all backgrounds and beliefs.”

The Ramadan To-Go Meals program runs from February 24 to March 28. Pre-cooked, packaged meals will be available for pick-up daily at the end of the school day. Families must complete a request form, and each package will include one breakfast and one lunch per student.