How do you determine what is served or sold in the school lunchroom?

The Child Nutrition Department is complying with all federal and state guidelines

pertaining to the National School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs. 

All  menus are analyzed for their nutritional content to ensure that all meals have no more than 30% of calories from  fat and less than 10% calories from saturated fat.

  At the elementary level all items sold as a la carte contain less than 35% 

calories from fat, less than 10% from saturated fat and no more than 35% sugar added by weight. 

Why do children have to take extra items even if they don't plan on eating them?

The USDA requires children to take complete meals in order for Child Nutrition to receive reimbursement. 

Those meals must meet 1/4 of the nutrient needs for breakfast and 1/3 of  the nutrient needs for lunch. 

Therefore, students must choose 3 of the 4 items offered at breakfast and at least 3, 4,or 5 of the items at lunch for it to be considered a complete meal.

Do school meals cause childhood overweight and obesity?

The causes of childhood overweight and obesity are complex and multifactor:  parent eating behaviors, lack of exercise, increased TV, video game and computer time, increased  advertising to kids, etcetera. 

 Before children reach their second birthday, many American children are developing the same eating habits that plague the nation's adults; too much fat, sugar and salt and too few fruits and vegetables. 

Schools have to meet the USDA meal guidelines for 30% or less fat and 10% or less saturated fats.

Pender County Child Nutrition has:

• Eliminated fried foods in elementary
• Decreased fat, and increased fiber
• Purchased more whole wheat food items.
• Maintain the USDA requirements on all food items, including a la carte items. 

 83% of a child's meals are eaten with their parents.

Are schools required to make menu substitutions for children who cannot eat  the regular breakfast or lunch?

Federal law and the regulations for the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast program require schools to make accommodations for children who are unable  to eat the school meal as prepared because of a disability.  In order to make substitutions for items in reimbursable meals, the school must have on file a written statement  signed by a licensed physician indicating what the child's disability is, what foods must be omitted and what foods must be substituted.  The purpose of requiring a written statement is two-fold.  First, it ensures that the nutrition integrity of the school meal   will not be comprised by the substitution.  More importantly, it ensures that decisions about specific food substitutions are made by persons who are highly qualified to prescribe them.  

How do I get meal substitutions or special nutritional needs met for my child?

You may obtain a Diet Order from the school nurse.  The Diet Order must be completed by your child's doctor each year and turned in to the cafeteria manager or Child Nutrition Services.  Once the completed order is

received, the Nutritionist in Child Nutrition Services will give instructions to the cafeteria manager and contact the parents as needed.

Are students allowed unlimited portions of food at breakfast and lunch?

No, students are entitled to one meal at breakfast and one meal at lunch from the Offer  versus Serve meal patterns.  Additional food items or second meals may be purchased at a la carte prices.

Can teachers or other school personnel restrict what a child selects from foods offered in the cafeteria?

No, what a child selects is a decision made by the child and their parents.

May school lunch be withheld or restricted as a discipline method?

No, the National School Lunch Act and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 prohibits school food authorities from denying a meal to any eligible child as a disciplinary measure. 

Why should I complete the Application for Free and Reduced Priced Meals?

The form allows students from eligible households to receive free or reduced-price meals throughout the School year.  In addition, the forms are the basis for claiming and distributing important funding from the State and federal governments for your child's school.

Who can get Free or Reduced Price meals?

Children in households receiving Food Stamps or TANF/WFFA can get free meals regardless of household income.  If you household is within the limits on the Federal Income Chart, your children can receive free or reduced- price meals.  A foster child or child living in a group home may be eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals regardless of household income.

How do I apply for my child?

Complete the Family Meal Application for Free and Reduced-Price Meals.  You only need to complete one application per household.  Incomplete applications cannot be processed and will be returned to you. 

Where do I send my completed application?

You may return completed applications to your child's school or mail to 

Pender County Schools, Child Nutrition Department, 925 Penderlea Highway Burgaw , NC  28425. 

 Meal applications will be processed by the Child Nutrition Office.  You will be notified by mail after your child's application has been processed.

Will the information on the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application be checked?

Yes, we may ask you to send written proof of the information you give.

If I don't qualify now, may I apply later?

Yes, you may apply for free or reduced price meals anytime during the school year.  If you are not eligible now but have a change in your household status, like a decrease in household income, an increase in household size, become unemployed or get food stamps, TANF or WFFA for your child, complete an application at that  time. 

If a student consistently does not bring meal money, may the student be placed on free meal benefits? 

No, Free or Reduced-Price meal benefits are to be granted through the appropriate meal application process of Direct Certification.

If a class decides to have a Pizza Party instead of eating in the cafeteria, is this legal?

No, Federal and State regulations prohibit this even if the food is being donated and no child is charged for the meal.  Child Nutrition Services must operate all food and beverage services during meal time. 

Please contact Child Nutrition Services for planning special event meals.