MEAL SERVICE
Our school menus provide a variety of choices that accommodate student preferences as well as meeting the guidelines established by USDA. The intent of the breakfast and lunch meal guidelines is to promote the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. All the menus are analyzed to ensure they meet the established USDA guidelines. The monthly menus are available to view on the district’s web site.
Our school provides healthy meals each day. The MN Free Meal Program allows us to provide free meals to all K-12 students. Families are still asked to complete the “Application for Educational Benefits” for qualification for additional benefits.
Please note the change in meal prices for the 23-24 school year:
Elementary: Breakfast $0 Lunch $0
Middle School: Breakfast $0 Lunch $0
High School: Breakfast $0 Lunch $0
Adult: Breakfast $3.00 Lunch $5.00
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day to nourish students to be prepared for the school day. Whether it is eaten at home or school, it is imperative that students are prepared for their learning day by consuming a nutritious breakfast that will keep them alert for their education.
Food Allergies
If parents have a concern regarding their child’s food allergies, please contact the food service office at 333-3100 ext. 31141. It is important that we have this information prior to your child beginning school.
When a physician’s assessment reveals that food allergies may result in severe, life threatening reactions (anaphylactic reaction), the student is considered to be disabled and substitutions prescribed by the physician will be provided. Substitutions will be made on a case-by-case basis when supported by a statement signed by a recognized medical authority. In Minnesota, recognized medical authorities include physicians, physician’s assistants, certified nurse practitioners and registered dieticians. The information received by the school from the medical authority needs to include:
- The student’s disability and an explanation of why the handicap restricts the student’s diet.
- The major life activity affected by the disability.
- The food or foods to be omitted from the student’s diet, and the food or choice of foods that must be substituted.
The statement does not have to be renewed each year as long as there are no changes.
Many students with food allergies, food intolerances or obesity are not considered to be persons with disabilities as defined above. Each case will be handled on an individual basis depending upon the medical authority support.
Lactose Intolerance
State law specifies the responsibility of a school to provide substitutes for any child with lactose intolerance. With a written request from a parent/guardian, a lactose-reduced milk will be provided. (The school will not make any other substitutions, such as juice, for lactose intolerant students).
Milk
The breakfast and lunch program regulations include fluid milk as a component in both meals. Choices of skim, 1% and chocolate 1% milk are offered with those meals. As stated previously, if your child has a lactose intolerance, please submit a request to provide the alternative lactose-free milk.
Farm2School
Our district participates in the Farm2School Program. Purchasing locally produced food is one way to support the local economy, minimize our environmental impact, and educate children about where food comes from and how it is grown. We are fortunate to work with many growers in the area who provide us with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to enhance the meal programs. We also have three school gardens that are producing items that are harvested in the fall by the students and served in the lunch programs.