The Midland Independent School District (Midland ISD) provides nutritious and balanced meals to students across all its campuses. The district’s menu is designed to promote healthy eating habits while accommodating a variety of dietary needs and preferences.
Understanding the Midland ISD menu can help parents, students, and staff make informed decisions about daily meals. The district emphasizes fresh ingredients, balanced nutrition, and appealing options that meet federal guidelines.
Midland ISD Nutrition Philosophy
Midland ISD is committed to serving meals that support student growth, development, and academic success. The district’s nutrition philosophy focuses on offering meals that are:
- Nutritious: Meals meet or exceed USDA nutritional standards.
- Varied: Menus rotate regularly to provide diverse options.
- Inclusive: Accommodations for allergies, intolerances, and special diets.
- Appealing: Balanced flavors and presentations to engage students.
“Good nutrition is the foundation of academic success. Midland ISD is dedicated to fueling our students with healthy choices every day.” – Midland ISD Nutrition Services
Menu Structure and Components
The Midland ISD menu is organized by meal type, including breakfast and lunch, with options tailored to elementary, middle, and high school levels. Menus are planned weekly and posted in advance for transparency.
Each meal includes specific components required by the USDA’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). These components include:
- Protein: Lean meats, beans, or plant-based alternatives.
- Grains: Whole grain-rich breads, cereals, and pasta.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh, canned, or frozen varieties.
- Dairy: Milk or dairy alternatives.
Sample Weekly Breakfast Menu
| Day | Menu Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Whole Grain Cereal with Milk, Fresh Apple | Gluten-free cereal available upon request |
| Tuesday | Scrambled Eggs, Toast, Orange Juice | Egg alternative provided for allergies |
| Wednesday | Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Mixed Berries | Vegetarian option |
| Thursday | Breakfast Burrito with Beans and Cheese | Contains dairy and gluten |
| Friday | Pancakes with Syrup, Banana | Gluten-free pancakes on request |
Sample Weekly Lunch Menu
| Day | Main Entrée | Sides | Dessert | Beverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Grilled Chicken Sandwich | Carrot Sticks, Fruit Cup | Fresh Baked Cookie | Milk |
| Tuesday | Beef Tacos | Mexican Rice, Pinto Beans | Churro | Milk or Water |
| Wednesday | Vegetarian Pasta Primavera | Steamed Broccoli, Side Salad | Fruit Yogurt | Milk |
| Thursday | BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich | Coleslaw, Baked Beans | Apple Slices | Milk |
| Friday | Cheese Pizza | Garden Salad, Fresh Fruit | Frozen Fruit Cup | Milk |
Special Dietary Accommodations
Midland ISD recognizes the importance of providing meal options that accommodate food allergies, intolerances, and specific dietary restrictions. Families are encouraged to contact the Nutrition Services department to discuss individual needs.
Common accommodations include gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegetarian meal options. The district works closely with parents and healthcare providers to ensure safe meal choices for all students.
“Our goal is to ensure every student receives a healthy meal that respects their dietary needs without compromising taste and nutrition.” – Midland ISD Dietitian
Nutrition Education and Wellness Initiatives
Midland ISD integrates nutrition education into its curriculum and wellness programs to promote lifelong healthy habits. Students learn about balanced diets, the importance of fruits and vegetables, and how to make smart food choices.
Wellness initiatives include school gardens, farm-to-school programs, and interactive nutrition workshops. These efforts encourage students to engage with their food sources and understand the benefits of healthy eating.
Farm-to-School Program
This program connects local farmers with Midland ISD schools to provide fresh, locally-sourced produce. It supports the local economy and enhances meal quality.
| Season | Featured Produce | Examples of Menu Integration |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Asparagus, Strawberries | Fresh strawberry salads, steamed asparagus sides |
| Summer | Tomatoes, Peaches, Zucchini | Tomato salsa for tacos, peach parfaits, zucchini pasta |
| Fall | Apples, Pumpkins, Sweet Potatoes | Apple slices, pumpkin muffins, roasted sweet potatoes |
| Winter | Citrus Fruits, Kale, Carrots | Citrus fruit cups, kale salads, carrot sticks |
Meal Pricing and Payment Options
Midland ISD offers affordable meal pricing to ensure all students have access to healthy food. Breakfast and lunch prices vary slightly by school level, with elementary, middle, and high school rates available.
The district also participates in the National School Lunch Program’s free and reduced-price meal program for qualifying families. Applications are available online and at all school offices.
| Meal Type | Elementary Price | Middle School Price | High School Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | $1.25 | $1.50 | $1.75 |
| Lunch | $2.50 | $2.75 | $3.00 |
Payment Methods
Parents and guardians can prepay for meals via the district’s online system or send cash/check with students. The online portal allows for easy monitoring of account balances and meal purchases.
For convenience, Midland ISD encourages use of the online payment system to reduce cash handling at schools and ensure students can access meals without disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions About Midland ISD Menus
Can students with food allergies still eat school meals?
Yes. The district provides allergy-sensitive menus and works with parents to accommodate specific needs.
It is important to notify the school nurse and Nutrition Services of any allergies.
Are vegetarian and vegan options available?
Midland ISD offers vegetarian options daily. Vegan selections are also available upon request, and the Nutrition Services team can provide guidance on suitable choices.
How often does the menu change?
The menus rotate weekly and are updated seasonally to incorporate fresh produce and new recipes. This keeps meals exciting and aligned with nutritional guidelines.
Where can I find the current menus?
Menus are posted on the Midland ISD website and distributed to schools monthly. Printed copies are also available in school cafeterias.
Contact Information for Midland ISD Nutrition Services
For questions, special requests, or feedback regarding the Midland ISD menu, families can reach out to the Nutrition Services department directly.
| Phone: | (432) 240-1700 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| Address: | 615 W. Missouri Ave., Midland, TX 79701 |
| Website: | https://www.midlandisd.net/nutrition |
Conclusion
Midland ISD’s commitment to providing healthy, balanced meals plays a vital role in student well-being and academic achievement. Its thoughtfully curated menu, nutrition education efforts, and accommodations for special diets ensure that every student can enjoy nutritious meals every day.
By engaging with the district’s menu and wellness programs, families and students can foster positive relationships with food that support lifelong health.
