Alamogordo Public Schools Lunch Menu

Overview of the Alamogordo Public Schools Lunch Program

The lunch program at Alamogordo Public Schools follows federal nutrition guidelines established by the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). These guidelines ensure that meals are well-balanced and provide the essential nutrients necessary for growing children.

APS menus include a variety of entree options, sides, fruits, and vegetables, with an emphasis on whole foods and minimal processed ingredients.

Meals are planned by certified nutritionists and food service professionals who regularly review and update menus to reflect seasonal ingredients and student feedback. The district also encourages participation in the lunch program by offering affordable pricing and free or reduced-price meals for eligible families.

“Good nutrition is the foundation of a student’s ability to learn and grow. Our lunch program is designed not just to feed students but to fuel their potential.” – Alamogordo Public Schools Food Services Director

Weekly Lunch Menu Sample

The following table presents a sample weekly lunch menu for Alamogordo Public Schools. Menus may vary slightly between schools and are subject to seasonal changes.

Day	Main Entrée	Side Dishes	Fruit	Vegetable	Milk
Monday	Grilled Chicken Sandwich	Sweet Potato Fries	Apple Slices	Steamed Broccoli	Low-Fat Milk
Tuesday	Beef Taco Salad	Refried Beans	Orange Wedges	Shredded Lettuce & Tomatoes	Low-Fat Milk
Wednesday	Spaghetti with Meat Sauce	Garlic Breadstick	Fresh Grapes	Green Beans	Low-Fat Milk
Thursday	Cheese Quesadilla	Mexican Rice	Pineapple Chunks	Carrot Sticks	Low-Fat Milk
Friday	Homemade Cheese Pizza	Garden Salad	Mixed Fruit Cup	Cucumber Slices	Low-Fat Milk

Nutritional Standards and Requirements

Alamogordo Public Schools adheres strictly to nutritional standards set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These standards include requirements for calories, saturated fat, sodium, and fiber content.

The district ensures that meals include at least half a cup of fruits and vegetables daily, whole grain-rich foods, and lean protein sources.

Portion sizes are carefully controlled to meet age-appropriate calorie needs, ranging from kindergarten through high school. The lunch menus also limit added sugars and trans fats to promote healthy eating habits among students.

Key Nutritional Highlights:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Served daily with a variety of options to encourage consumption.
• Whole Grains: At least half of grain servings are whole grain-rich.
• Protein: Lean meats, beans, dairy, and vegetarian options are included.
• Dairy: Fat-free or low-fat milk is provided.
• Sodium and Fat: Meals are designed to keep sodium and saturated fat within recommended limits.

Special Dietary Accommodations

Understanding that some students have food allergies, intolerances, or other dietary restrictions, Alamogordo Public Schools offers several accommodations. Parents and guardians can work with school nutrition services to ensure safe and appropriate meals are provided.

Common accommodations include gluten-free options, vegetarian meals, and allergen-free substitutions. The district also complies with all federal laws regarding disability-related dietary needs under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“Our goal is to make sure every student has access to nutritious and safe meals regardless of their dietary challenges.” – APS Nutrition Services Coordinator

How to Request Special Meals:

1. Contact the school nurse or nutrition services office directly.
2. Submit a medical statement detailing the dietary needs.
3. Work with staff to create an individualized meal plan.

Accessing the Lunch Menu and Additional Resources

Alamogordo Public Schools provides easy access to the lunch menus online and through school offices. The menus are updated regularly and include nutritional information for each meal.

Parents and students can review weekly menus to plan accordingly.

Additionally, APS offers educational resources on healthy eating and nutrition. These resources help families understand portion control, balanced diets, and the importance of meal planning.

Where to Find the Menu

• Official APS Website: The most current menus are posted under the Food Services section.
• School Newsletters: Monthly menus are often included in newsletters sent home.
• Mobile Apps: Some schools partner with apps that provide lunch menus and alerts.

Benefits of Participating in the APS Lunch Program

Participating in the Alamogordo Public Schools lunch program offers numerous benefits beyond convenience. Well-balanced meals help improve concentration, behavior, and energy levels for students throughout the school day.

In addition, the program promotes lifelong healthy eating habits by exposing children to a variety of nutritious foods. Students also enjoy social interaction during lunch periods, which fosters a sense of community and belonging.

“Providing healthy school lunches is a critical investment in our children’s future success.” – Superintendent of Alamogordo Public Schools

Sample Monthly Menu Breakdown

To give a clearer picture of what students can expect, here is a breakdown of typical monthly offerings for different grade levels. Menus rotate to maintain variety and meet nutritional guidelines.

Grade Level	Main Protein Options	Vegetable Choices	Fruit Selections	Grain Options
Elementary (K-5)	Chicken nuggets, meatloaf, turkey sandwich	Carrots, corn, green beans	Bananas, apples, oranges	Whole wheat rolls, brown rice, pasta
Middle School (6-8)	Burgers, chicken wraps, tacos	Salad bar, steamed broccoli, peas	Grapes, mixed fruit cups, peaches	Whole grain tortillas, quinoa, breadsticks
High School (9-12)	Grilled chicken, deli sandwiches, chili	Roasted vegetables, side salad, zucchini	Fresh berries, melon, pineapple	Whole grain buns, couscous, bagels

Food Safety and Quality Assurance

Alamogordo Public Schools places a high priority on food safety and quality. All meals are prepared in compliance with state and federal food safety regulations.

Kitchen staff receive regular training on proper food handling, sanitation, and temperature control.

The district also conducts frequent inspections and audits to ensure that all food served meets high standards for freshness and safety. Feedback from students and parents is welcomed and reviewed to continually improve food quality.

How Parents Can Support Healthy Eating at School

Parents play a vital role in encouraging healthy eating habits alongside the school lunch program. Discussing the menu options with children and encouraging them to try new foods can increase acceptance of nutritious meals.

Sending a balanced lunch from home on days when children do not participate in the school lunch program is also important. Parents should aim to provide fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in packed lunches to complement what is offered at school.

Tips for Parents:

• Review the weekly menu with your child before school.
• Encourage children to try at least one new fruit or vegetable each week.
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks during lunch periods.
• Provide reusable containers to reduce waste from school meals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question	Answer
Are meals free for all students?	Meals are free or reduced-price for eligible families; others pay a standard fee. Eligibility is based on income guidelines.
Can students bring lunch from home?	Yes, students are welcome to bring lunch from home. However, the school encourages participation in the lunch program for balanced nutrition.
How can I find out if my child has food allergies?	Parents should notify school nurses and nutrition staff of any allergies. Special accommodations can then be arranged.
Do menus change seasonally?	Yes, menus are updated seasonally to incorporate fresh, local produce and new menu items.
Is nutrition information available?	Detailed nutrition information is available on the APS Food Services website and upon request.

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