F.A.Q. (Questions)
Q: What is the goal of the School Nutrition Program?
A: The goal of the program is to provide high quality, nutritious meals to our students at a price that is affordable to all.
Q: Who is in charge of the program in my child's school?
A: The principal is responsible for the program's operations in each school; the Supervisor of the School Nutrition Program oversees the food service operations division-wide; the local Board of Education, represented by the Superintendent, makes the ultimate decisions about the program.
Q: What guidelines do these administrators have?
A: The school lunch program is governed by the federal (U. S. Department of Agriculture) and state (Virginia Department of Education) regulations, as well as policies that the local Board of Education deems necessary.
Q: Who plans the school menus?
A: The menus are planned at the central office by the Supervisor of the School Nutrition Program. Student and parent input is welcomed.
Q: Can schools serve any foods they want?
A: Menus must meet school lunch program meal pattern requirements provided by the U. S. Department of Education. Lunch meals are planned with a goal of providing students with one third of their Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for key nutrients and calories.
Q: Do schools get commodities from the U. S. Department of Agriculture?
A: Yes. Commodities are allocated to and ordered by schools depending on their availability. Commodities range from meat items, such as ground beef, chicken, and pork to dairy products, canned fruits and vegetables, fresh fruits and grain products such as flour, grits and cornmeal.
Q. My child received free school lunches at his elementary school. Does that continue up to middle school? Is there an age cut-off for free and reduced meals?
A. There is not an age cut-off. An eligible child can receive free or reduced price meals through the 12th grade. A new application must be submitted each school year. Don't forget about school breakfasts! Many children who are eligible for free or reduced lunches don't take advantage of the school breakfasts.
Q. Why don't you sell coffee in the morning to the students at the high school level? (submitted by a high school student)
A. We are not allowed to sell caffeinated beverages to students according to the School Nutrition Program at the Department of Education.