Frequently Asked Questions
CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS
Since 1946, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) has made it possible for schools to serve lunches designed to meet the nutritional needs of children who qualify. The NSLP is a federally assisted meal program that provides low-cost or free lunches to children. The School Breakfast Program provides a nutritious morning meal. These two programs are recognized as one of the most beneficial of the federal nutrition programs. Participation in the program has been shown to improve learning and performance on tests as well as to help students be more focused in the morning.
All RE-3J Schools participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs.
WHY ARE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH SERVED AT SCHOOL?
Research confirms that children who skip breakfast and eat little or no lunch have problems in the classroom. A child with an empty stomach can be lethargic or irritable and is not able to participate fully in the learning experience. Good nutrition is critical to student achievement and is an integral part of the educational process.
ARE SCHOOL MEALS HEALTHY BY TODAY’S STANDARDS?
A healthy diet consists of a variety of foods eaten in moderation to promote good lifelong 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. Several entrée choices and fruit and vegetable choices are offered daily at the Jr and Sr High.
WHAT IF MY STUDENT HAS A FOOD ALLERGY?
If your student has a food allergy, which has been documented by a physician, please advise both the kitchen manager and the school nurse of the details of the allergy. The kitchen manager will enter the allergy information into the computer, thus informing the cashier of the allergy. If your student comes through the lunch line with an item containing that allergenic food, he/she will be advised to return the item and choose something else. However, it is still the responsibility of the parent or guardian to make sure the student is aware of the allergy and knows what foods to avoid. The Food and Nutrition Services office will gladly answer any questions you might have about the foods that are offered.
HOW MUCH DO SCHOOL MEALS COST?
Meal Prices for the 2007-08 School Year:
Milk $.50
Elementary
Breakfast $1.25
Lunch $2.00
Secondary
Breakfast $1.50
Lunch $2.25
Adult Breakfast $2.00
Adult Lunch $3.00
HOW CAN MEALS BE SOLD TO STUDENTS AT SUCH A REASONABLE PRICE?
Food and Nutrition Services receives federal and state funds for meals served to students. This reimbursement helps keep the charge to students low. The amount of federal reimbursement paid per meal depends on the economic need of the student. Free or reduced-price meals are available to students who qualify. In addition to the variety and nutritional adequacy provided, the subsidized school meal is less expensive than a meal of equal nutritional value prepared and packed at home. The Food and Nutrition Services Department receives no educational tax dollars to operate the school meal programs.

WHY DOES AN ADULT MEAL COST MORE?
The school lunch program is available primarily for students, meals and food items are planned to meet their preferences and nutritional needs. Teachers and adults are served the same portions of food as the secondary school students. Because there is no federal subsidy for adults, the cost of an adult meal is more than the cost of a student meal. Parents or guardians are encouraged to eat with their student. Eating a meal at your student’s school is a great opportunity to observe the cafeteria environment, the food options your student has each day and which of those options your student chooses. If you would like to eat with your student, please phone the kitchen manager by 9 a.m. to order a lunch.
HOW DO I PAY FOR MEALS?
All schools use a computerized meal credit system to account for student meals and a la carte purchases. Similar to a bank account, each student may deposit any amount of money into his or her account. To access this account, each student is assigned his/her own PIN number. This PIN number may change when the student changes schools. The account may only be used for purchase of meals and a la carte food items. Money may be refunded at a parent or guardian’s request. Parents and guardians are encouraged to pay for meals by check. Payments can be made one week, several weeks or even a month in advance. Checks should be made payable to (school name) Food Services. Pre-payment for meals helps provide more time for students to eat. Lunch lines move much faster when cash transactions are minimal. Through the National School Lunch Program, free and reduced-price meals are provided to those students who meet eligibility guidelines. An application is distributed to each student in his or her registration packet every school year. For the first three weeks of school, students will keep the same paid, free or reduced-price meal status as the previous school year. During that three weeks, a current school year application must be completed and sent to either the school kitchen or the Food and Nutrition Services office and a new determination of eligibility will be made. Completion of an application does not automatically qualify a student for the free and reduced-price meal program. Once the Food and Nutrition Services office receives an application, eligibility determination can take up to ten business days to complete. Applications for free and reduced-meals may be completed at any time during the school year.
WHAT IF MY STUDENT FORGETS TO BRING MONEY?
Meals must be paid for at the time of service. Charges are not allowed. However, many schools have their own policy for handling those few students who forget to bring money or a lunch from home. Questions about your school's lunch loan policy should be directed to your student's school office.
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, and a second main dish. The price for a la carte items is the same for adults and for students, including those students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. 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?
Parents or guardians can decide if they want their student to use his/her meal account for a la carte items. Parents or guardians can limit the days of the week that the student may purchase additional items (the day of the week must be specified), set a dollar amount that the student cannot exceed each day, or prevent the purchase of any additional items at all. To set limits on your student’s account, contact the kitchen manager at your student’s school.
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If you have any questions about your school’s meal program, please call 303-536-2000 weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.