Frequently Asked Questions

Who plans the school menus?

Registered dietitians plan the menus at the Student Nutrition Center. New recipes and food products are taste-tested and evaluated by students and menus are developed from this feedback.

Are school meals healthy by today's standards?

A healthy diet consists of various foods eaten in moderation to promote lifelong positive eating habits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Nutrition Program sets menu patterns and specific nutrient requirements that our breakfast and lunch menus meet. Recent legislation (Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act) made significant changes to these requirements to further ensure that meals meet the needs of students and provide the many nutrients needed to succeed in school and lead a healthy lifestyle. Over the past decade, school nutrition professionals, the school food industry, and other partners have made incredible strides in strengthening the nutrition of school meals; research shows school meals are the healthiest meals children eat in a day!

What is an "adult/guest" meal and why does it cost more?

The National School Breakfast and Lunch programs focus on supporting student nutrition. We are happy to serve adults who work in the schools, or family members who wish to join their student for lunch. These meals cost more than student meals because there is no reimbursement for non-student meals. Our meals are the best deal in town, which include one entree, two vegetables, and two fruit servings. They are made by our caring staff, with whole grains, lean proteins, and packed with nutrition. Milk and additional servings can be purchased for a la carte pricing. Join us for a healthy meal and support our program, which in turn supports students!

What are a la carte foods?

A la carte foods are available for purchase in addition to the school meal. A la carte items vary with each school but can include fresh fruit, yogurt, milk, juice, cookies, fruit snacks, or a second main dish. The price for a la carte items is the same for adults and for students.  A la carte items can be paid for with cash or from your student's meal account.

What if I want to put a limit on my student's account?

We encourage parents to have a conversation with their students about a la carte purchases to encourage healthy choices at a young age. Parents are able to set limits for their student's accounts using MySchoolBucks.