The lunch program at Bailey Elementary School is designed to provide nutritious, delicious, and balanced meals to support the health and learning readiness of our students. Ensuring children receive proper nutrition during the school day is a top priority, as it directly influences their concentration, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Our menu is thoughtfully crafted by experienced nutritionists to include a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. We emphasize seasonal ingredients and cater to diverse dietary needs, including allergies and special dietary preferences.
“Good food nourishes the body and fuels the mind. At Bailey Elementary, we believe every student deserves a wholesome lunch that supports their growth and academic success.”
Weekly Lunch Menu Overview
The following table outlines the weekly lunch offerings at Bailey Elementary. Each day features an entrée, side dishes, and a selection of fruits and vegetables.
Menus are subject to seasonal changes and availability.
| Day | Entrée | Sides | Fruit | Vegetable | Dessert |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Grilled Chicken Sandwich | Sweet Potato Fries, Whole Wheat Roll | Apple Slices | Steamed Broccoli | Yogurt Parfait |
| Tuesday | Vegetarian Pasta Primavera | Garlic Breadstick | Mixed Berries | Garden Salad | Oatmeal Cookie |
| Wednesday | Beef Tacos with Lettuce & Cheese | Mexican Rice, Refried Beans | Orange Wedges | Carrot Sticks | Churro |
| Thursday | Baked Fish Nuggets | Mashed Potatoes, Corn | Grapes | Steamed Green Beans | Fruit Cup |
| Friday | Cheese Pizza | Caesar Salad | Banana | Cucumber Slices | Chocolate Chip Cookie |
Nutrition and Dietary Balance
Each lunch is carefully planned to meet the nutritional guidelines set forth by the USDA National School Lunch Program (NSLP). This ensures students receive meals with the appropriate balance of calories, protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals.
Key nutritional goals include:
- Minimum 1 cup of vegetables and/or fruits per meal
- Whole grains making up at least half of the grain servings
- Lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, beans, and tofu
- Low-fat or fat-free milk options daily
- Limiting added sugars and saturated fats
Bailey Elementary encourages students to try a variety of foods to develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. Our food service team uses low-sodium seasonings and cooking methods like baking, grilling, and steaming to enhance flavors without excess salt or fat.
Special Dietary Accommodations
We understand that some students have specific dietary requirements due to allergies, medical conditions, cultural practices, or personal preferences. Bailey Elementary offers accommodations to ensure all students have access to safe and satisfying meals.
Common accommodations include:
- Gluten-Free Options: Substitute wheat-based items with gluten-free breads, pasta, or snacks.
- Dairy-Free Alternatives: Provide soy or almond milk upon request.
- Nut-Free Meals: Strict protocols to avoid cross-contamination and nut ingredients.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Choices: Plant-based proteins and dairy-free entrees available weekly.
- Halal and Kosher Requests: Special meal options can be arranged with prior notice.
How to Request Special Meals
To request a special meal, parents must complete a Dietary Accommodation Form available from the school office or the Bailey Elementary website. This form requires a healthcare provider’s signature if the accommodation is related to a medical condition.
Once the form is submitted, the food service team collaborates with families to develop a safe and nutritious meal plan tailored to the student’s needs. We strive to maintain variety and appeal while ensuring safety.
Sample Monthly Menu – March
Below is an example of the March lunch menu offered at Bailey Elementary. This sample illustrates the diversity and nutritional balance provided throughout the month.
| Date | Entrée | Sides | Fruit | Vegetable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 1 (Fri) | Cheese Pizza | Caesar Salad | Banana | Cucumber Slices |
| March 4 (Mon) | BBQ Chicken Sandwich | Baked Beans, Coleslaw | Apple Slices | Steamed Carrots |
| March 5 (Tue) | Vegetarian Chili | Cornbread | Mixed Fruit Cup | Green Peppers |
| March 6 (Wed) | Turkey Meatloaf | Mashed Potatoes, Gravy | Orange Wedges | Steamed Peas |
| March 7 (Thu) | Fish Sticks | French Fries | Grapes | Coleslaw |
| March 8 (Fri) | Macaroni & Cheese | Steamed Broccoli | Peach Slices | Garden Salad |
| March 11 (Mon) | Chicken Fajitas | Mexican Rice, Black Beans | Watermelon | Carrot Sticks |
| March 12 (Tue) | Beef Sloppy Joe | Sweet Potato Fries | Pineapple Chunks | Steamed Corn |
| March 13 (Wed) | Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu | Brown Rice | Mandarin Oranges | Snap Peas |
| March 14 (Thu) | Spaghetti with Meat Sauce | Garlic Breadstick | Apple Slices | Caesar Salad |
| March 15 (Fri) | Cheese Quesadilla | Refried Beans | Banana | Tomato Salsa |
| March 18 (Mon) | Turkey & Cheese Wrap | Potato Salad | Mixed Berries | Celery Sticks |
| March 19 (Tue) | Chicken Alfredo | Steamed Broccoli | Peach Slices | Garden Salad |
| March 20 (Wed) | Beef Tacos | Mexican Rice, Corn | Orange Wedges | Carrot Sticks |
| March 21 (Thu) | Baked Chicken Nuggets | Mashed Potatoes | Grapes | Steamed Green Beans |
| March 22 (Fri) | Cheese Pizza | Caesar Salad | Banana | Cucumber Slices |
Lunch Pricing and Payment Options
Bailey Elementary offers affordable pricing to ensure all families can participate in the school lunch program. Below are the current prices for the 2024 school year:
| Meal Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Paid Lunch | $3.25 |
| Reduced Price Lunch | $0.40 |
| Free Lunch | Eligible students per USDA guidelines |
| Milk Only | $0.50 |
Families can prepay for lunch using the school’s online portal or send cash/check with students. We encourage prepayment to speed up lunch lines and reduce handling of money during the day.
Benefits of the Bailey Elementary Lunch Program
Participation in the school lunch program goes beyond just providing food. It promotes community, learning, and wellness in several ways:
- Improved Academic Performance: Well-nourished students show better concentration, memory, and problem-solving abilities.
- Social Interaction: Lunch time offers a chance for students to socialize and build friendships in a relaxed setting.
- Nutrition Education: Students learn about healthy eating choices through menu variety and school-wide wellness initiatives.
- Food Security: Ensures every child has access to at least one balanced meal during the school day.
“Our lunch program is more than just food – it’s an investment in the future of our students, fostering healthy habits and academic success.”
Food Safety and Quality Standards
Bailey Elementary takes food safety very seriously. All meals are prepared in accordance with state and federal safety regulations to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Our kitchen staff undergo regular training on proper food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures. We also conduct routine inspections and maintain transparent records for accountability.
Ingredients are sourced from reputable suppliers who meet strict quality standards. We prioritize fresh, local, and organic products when possible to enhance taste and nutritional value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can my child bring lunch from home?
Yes, students are welcome to bring their own lunch. However, we encourage participation in the school lunch program to ensure balanced nutrition and to reduce the chance of food allergies or contamination.
What if my child has a food allergy?
Notify the school immediately. We offer allergy-friendly meal options and take precautions to avoid cross-contact.
A dietary accommodation form must be completed for special meals.
Are beverages included in the lunch price?
Milk is included with each lunch, and water is always available. Additional beverages can be purchased separately if allowed.
How can I check my child’s lunch account balance?
Parents can access the online payment portal to monitor balances, make payments, and view purchase history.
Are there vegetarian options available daily?
While vegetarian meals may not be available every day, we ensure at least 2-3 vegetarian options are offered each week.
Contact Information
For questions or concerns about the lunch program, please reach out to the Bailey Elementary Food Service Department.
- Phone: (555) 123-4567
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
We welcome feedback and suggestions to continually improve our lunch offerings and service quality. Your input helps us serve your children better.
Conclusion
The Bailey Elementary Lunch Menu reflects our commitment to providing students with healthy, tasty, and diverse meals that support their academic and personal growth. By integrating nutrition, safety, and inclusivity, our lunch program strives to nurture the whole child every day.
Families are encouraged to stay engaged with the menu updates and nutrition education efforts through school newsletters and events. Together, we can help our students develop lifelong healthy eating habits and enjoy every meal at school.
