Student Nutrition

“FOOD FOR THOUGHT!”

Our cafeteria staff provides breakfast in the classroom and lunch in the cafeteria daily. Meals are designed by a Registered Dietitian with student input and meets all federal nutrition guidelines, including limits on calories, sugar, fat, and sodium.

Breakfast

• Includes 4 items from the grains, protein, fruit and milk group. Students must take at least 3, one of which must be a fruit.

Lunch

• Includes foods from 5 groups: grains, protein, fruit, vegetable, and milk.
• Students must choose at least 3 of 5 from the groups, with one being a fruit or vegetable.
• A full meal includes: 2 oz grains, 2 oz protein, ½ cup fruit, ½ cup veggie, and 1 cup milk.

If students don’t choose the required components, items are charged a la carte. The Café staff will assist your student with this. 

MENUS AND NUTRITIONAL AND ALLERGEN INFORMATION

• Available Menu Information and posted in classrooms.
• Free app available: LINQ Connect.

MEAL PAYMENTS

Meal Payments & Accounts

• Each student uses a 6-digit PIN (last 6 digits of your student’s PowerSchool ID number).
• This number should never be shared with other students.
• Please help your student memorize their unique PIN.

Meal Prepayment Options:

1. Online via Quick Pay on the district website (free service).
2. Check (include student name, account number, and phone number).
3. Cash (not recommended).
4. Funds can be transferred between siblings—complete the Transfer Funds Form
5. Refunds can be requested by completing the Refund Form

MEAL PRICING

Meal prices are set to cover the cost of food and labor.  Our department is self funded and our goal is to break even at the end of the school year. We depend on our students paying for their meals.  If you are unable to pay for your meals, please apply for free and reduced priced meals.

FREE AND REDUCED MEAL PROGRAM

• We encourage families to apply if your family income meets USDA income guidelines.
• Students must reapply every year
• Apply online: LINQ Connect Application  or complete a paper application available at your school or on our website after July 1st. Applications are available in multiple languages.  Call 803-802-1968

IMPORTANT POLICIES

• Charge Policy: Our cafeteria does not deny students meals. Students may charge up to $15. Negative balance reminders are sent weekly. (Board Policy AR EF-R)
• Allergies: Homemade foods are not allowed to be distributed to students. Only store-bought items with ingredient labels are permitted. This policy is designed to provide consistency and minimize allergy risks in all classrooms, while maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for all students. (Board Policy J LCDD)
• Nut Safety: All cafeteria kitchens are tree nut and peanut safe. Coconut oil can be found in a few of our products. All allergen and nutrient information is found on our website.
• Special Diets: Contact the nurse for required medical documentation.
• Extras: Snacks, milk, juice, and water are available for purchase. To opt out of extras, submit the OPT Out Form for Snacks and Extras

WELLNESS POLICY

Our district promotes student wellness through Board Policies ADF and EFE. Contact our Department to get involved. Please click here to view our Wellness Policy

CLASSROOM CELEBRATION BASKETS

Celebrate birthdays or special days by ordering a Classroom Celebration Basket from the cafeteria! Complete the order form and add funds to your student’s account.

ANGEL FUND

School meals are just as essential to learning as textbooks and pencils. Our café teams are dedicated to ensuring every student has access to nutritious meals that fuel both body and mind. We recognize that some families may experience financial hardship. That’s why we work closely with them to connect to available meal assistance programs — so no student has to go without a meal during the school day. The Angel Fund was created to support families facing temporary financial struggles. While it does not cover or forgive existing unpaid meal debt, it provides short-term support to help ensure students continue receiving the meals they need to succeed. Donations to the Angel Fund can be made by completing Angel Fund Donation

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Please contact the Student Nutrition Department if you have any questions or need support with meal accounts or dietary accommodations. | 803-802-1968