Gooding Jt. School District #231

NONINSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS                           8220

Food Services

The District supports the philosophy of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and shall provide wholesome, appetizing, and nutritious meals for children in the District’s schools. Because of potential liability to the District, the food services program shall not accept donations of food without the approval of the Board and the appropriate agency, such as the local public health district and/or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Should the Board approve a food donation, the Superintendent shall establish inspection and handling procedures for the food and determine that the provisions of all State and local laws have been met and consult with local public health districts before selling the food as part of the school meals.

Community Involvement

The District shall promote activities to involve students and parents in the school lunch and breakfast programs. Such activities may include teaching students about good nutrition practices and involving the school faculty and the general community in activities to enhance the program.

To the maximum extent practical, the District shall inform families about the availability of breakfast for students. Information shall be distributed just prior to or at the beginning of the school year. Additional reminders may be sent throughout the school year and/or posted to the District’s website.

United States Department of Agriculture Foods

The District shall use USDA foods made available under the Federal Food Distribution Program for school meals.

Qualifications of School Food Service Staff

Qualified nutrition professionals will administer the school meal programs. As part of the District’s responsibility to operate a food service program, continuing professional development opportunities may be provided to select District nutrition professionals. These development programs should include appropriate certification and/or training programs for child nutrition directors, school nutrition managers, and cafeteria workers, according to their levels of responsibility. The District may work with the School Nutrition Association for such professional development offerings.

Free and Reduced Price Food Services

The District shall provide free and reduced price meals to students according to the terms of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the National School Breakfast Program (SBP). The District shall inform parents of the eligibility standards for free or reduced price meals. The identity of students receiving free or reduced price meals will be confidential in accordance with the guidelines for the NSLP and SBP. A parent has the right to appeal any decision with respect to his or her application for free or reduced price food services to a designated hearing official.

The amount charged for such meals shall be sufficient to cover all costs of the meals, including preparation labor, food costs, handling costs, utility costs, and equipment depreciation costs.

Every effort is to be made to eliminate any social stigma attached to, and prevent the overt identification of, students who are eligible for free and reduced-price school meals. Toward this end, the availability of school meals to all students will be promoted and electronic identification of students and payment systems utilized where feasible.

Summer Food Service Program

If more than 50 percent of a school’s students are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, that school may sponsor the Summer Food Service Program.

Legal Reference:         42 USC 1751 et seq.                              National School Lunch Act

                                    7 CFR Part 210.12                         Student, Parent, and Community Involvement

Policy History:

Adopted on: 11-13-23

Revised on:

Reviewed on: