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Nutrition's Q&A
Q: Iam confused. When I eat in the school cafeteria, my adult meal costs more than the students, yet I get the same amount of food as the kids. Why is that?
A: The Child Nutrition meal programs in schools are partially funded by the state and federal governments. Money is received for only student meals that are sold, in order to keep the cost to the parents as low and affordable as possible. The price for the adult meal is what it costs the school district to prepare and serve that meal.
Q: When I went to school, there were always 6 items on the tray. Why doesn't this happen anymore? I am afraid my child is not getting enough to eat.
A: School meal requirements have changed over the years. Currently, the meals at school are required to meet the nutritional needs of children at the appropriate age, when breakfast and lunch are averaged together over each week. All meals in your school district are analyzed for those necessary calories and nutrients required. When your child eats all foods offered, you can be assured that they are receiving what is necessary to get them ready to learn.
Q: My children sometimes come home hungry, and I find out they haven't been given everything on the menu. Why is this?
A: Every child may take all items offered on the menu as part of the meal if they choose to do so. Federal laws allow children to make choices at mealtime at school. At breakfast, they must take at least 2 of the choices and at lunch, a minimum of 3 of the components offered. At times, one of the items offered may count as 2 or 3 components. For example, a hamburger on a bun counts both as the bread and the meat. Therefore a student could take that and the vegetable and nothing more and it would still be considered a meal. |
Q: How do I know whether my household is eligible for free or reduced priced meals?
A: Every school year parents or guardians should complete the Application for free and Reduced Price School Meals. This application is sent home with every child when school starts. If an application is needed at other times of the school year, your child's school office or kitchen have applications as well as the Nutrition Services office at the administration building. The Nutrition Services office will mail you a letter telling you what your eligibility is, based on your household size and monthly gross income.
Q: Will other government agencies see my completed application?
A: No. Individual completed applications are confidential.
Q: Are school meals healthy by today's standards?
A: School meals are very healthy choices by today's standards. Meals are much lower in fat and higher in whole grains and fiber every year. School lunch provides 1/3 and school breakfast provides 1/4 of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for most nutrients a child needs.
Q: As a parent, can I limit my child's ala carte purchases?
A: Yes. By calling or stopping by to talk with your child's school kitchen manager, they can flag the account showing how you wish to limit those purchases.
Q: How can I be sure the money I send for school lunch is really spent on the meal?
A: This can be controlled by sending a check for the meals instead of cash. Also, the district offers payments online at www.schoolpaymentsolutions.com. If you would like help paying online, please call the Nutrition office at 303-853-1117. |
Upcoming Events
Jan. 31- High School Information & Enrollment Night, 5:15-6:30 p.m., Meadow Community School (9150 Monroe St., Thornton)
Feb. 3- Parent and Teacher Recognition Night at Girls Varsity Basketball game, 7 p.m., Skyview Campus (8990 York St.)
Feb. 16- District Spelling Bee, Skyview Campus Auditorium, 5 p.m.- Student qualifiers arrive, 5:30 p.m. - Written competition, 5;45 p.m. - Pizza dinner, 6:30 p.m. Oral competition
Feb. 20- Presidents' Day Holiday - All schools closed
Feb. 28- Board meeting, 6 p.m. Admin Office (591 E. 80th Ave., Denver)
March 26-30- Spring break
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