Broken Arrow Schools take pride in offering a nutritious, balanced, and diverse lunch menu for their students. The school district understands the importance of healthy eating habits in childhood development and academic performance.
Their menus are thoughtfully curated to meet dietary guidelines while catering to student preferences and allergies.
Every day, students across elementary, middle, and high schools in Broken Arrow can enjoy delicious meals designed to fuel their bodies and minds. This article covers everything you need to know about the Broken Arrow Schools Lunch Menu, including its structure, nutritional standards, sample menus, and important policies.
Overview of Broken Arrow School Lunch Program
The lunch program in Broken Arrow Schools is part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which ensures that meals meet federal nutrition standards. The district emphasizes fresh ingredients, whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Students have access to a variety of meal options daily, with an emphasis on accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences. The program also encourages students to try new foods, promoting a well-rounded diet.
“Good nutrition is foundational for academic success. Our lunch program aims to provide balanced meals that energize our students and promote lifelong healthy eating habits.” – Broken Arrow Schools Nutrition Director
Daily Lunch Menu Structure
The lunch menu is structured to include several components each day:
- Main Entrée: Protein-rich options such as chicken, beef, or vegetarian selections.
- Grains: Whole grain bread, rice, pasta, or crackers.
- Vegetables: A variety of steamed, fresh, or roasted vegetables.
- Fruits: Fresh, canned, or fruit cups.
- Dairy: Milk or cheese options for calcium and vitamin D.
Each meal is balanced to provide adequate calories and nutrients, following USDA guidelines.
Sample Weekly Lunch Menu
The following table provides an example of a typical weekly lunch menu for Broken Arrow Schools. Menus may vary by school and season but reflect the standard offerings.
| Day | Main Entrée | Vegetables & Sides | Fruits | Dairy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Grilled Chicken Sandwich | Steamed Broccoli, Baby Carrots | Apple Slices | Low-fat Milk |
| Tuesday | Spaghetti with Meat Sauce | Green Beans, Side Salad | Orange Wedges | Low-fat Milk |
| Wednesday | Beef Tacos | Mexican Rice, Corn | Pineapple Chunks | Low-fat Milk |
| Thursday | Cheese Pizza | Caesar Salad | Fresh Strawberries | Low-fat Milk |
| Friday | Fish Sticks | Sweet Potato Fries, Coleslaw | Banana | Low-fat Milk |
Nutrition and Dietary Guidelines
Broken Arrow Schools strictly adhere to nutrition standards set by the USDA and the Oklahoma State Department of Education. The lunch program ensures that meals provide:
- Less than 30% of calories from fat, and less than 10% from saturated fat
- No more than 640 mg of sodium per meal
- At least one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for key nutrients
- Encouragement of whole grain consumption
- Inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables daily
By meeting these criteria, the district supports healthy growth, energy levels, and long-term wellness for all students.
Special Dietary Accommodations
Broken Arrow Schools recognize that some students require special dietary accommodations due to allergies, medical conditions, or religious beliefs. Parents and guardians are encouraged to communicate with the school nutrition office to arrange appropriate meal modifications.
Common accommodations include:
- Gluten-free options
- Dairy-free or lactose intolerance adjustments
- Allergy-sensitive meals (e.g., nut-free)
- Vegetarian or vegan meal selections
Important: It is essential for parents to submit proper documentation from a healthcare provider to qualify for meal accommodations based on medical needs.
How to Access the Lunch Menu
The Broken Arrow Schools lunch menu is updated regularly and easily accessible through multiple channels:
- Official School District Website: The latest menus can be viewed and downloaded in PDF format.
- School Cafeteria Notices: Printed menus are often posted in cafeterias and common areas.
- Mobile Apps: Some schools use third-party apps that provide daily menu updates and nutritional information.
Parents can also sign up for email notifications to receive menu changes or announcements about special meal days.
Pricing and Payment Options
Lunch prices vary depending on the school level and whether the student qualifies for free or reduced-price meals through the federal assistance program.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Elementary Students | $2.50 |
| Middle School Students | $2.75 |
| High School Students | $3.00 |
| Reduced-Price Meals | $0.40 |
| Free Meals (Qualifying Students) | $0.00 |
Payments can be made online through the district’s payment portal, by cash or check at the school cafeteria, or through prepaid lunch accounts. The online system allows parents to monitor balances and set up automatic payments for convenience.
Benefits of the Broken Arrow Schools Lunch Program
There are numerous benefits offered by the school lunch program, including:
- Balanced Nutrition: Ensures students receive essential nutrients for growth and brain development.
- Convenience: Provides a hassle-free, affordable meal option during busy school days.
- Community Health: Supports healthy eating habits that can reduce obesity and related health issues.
- Educational Support: Well-nourished students tend to have better concentration and academic performance.
“Providing healthy meals helps level the playing field so every student has the opportunity to succeed.” – School Nutrition Coordinator, Broken Arrow Schools
Tips for Parents and Guardians
Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing healthy eating habits alongside the school lunch program. Here are some tips to maximize the benefits:
- Encourage children to try new foods offered at school.
- Discuss the importance of balanced meals and nutrition.
- Pack supplementary healthy snacks if needed but avoid sugary or processed foods.
- Stay informed about the weekly menus and communicate any dietary needs early.
- Promote hydration by encouraging water intake throughout the day.
Seasonal and Special Event Menus
Broken Arrow Schools periodically introduce seasonal menus and special event meals to celebrate holidays or cultural observances. These menus often feature themed dishes while maintaining nutritional standards.
Examples include:
- Harvest Festival: Pumpkin soup, roasted root vegetables, and apple crisp.
- Back-to-School Welcome: Barbecue chicken sliders and corn on the cob.
- International Food Day: Featuring dishes from various cultures to broaden students’ palates.
These special menus provide exciting opportunities for students to try new flavors and learn about global cuisines.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can students bring their own lunch instead of buying school lunch? | Yes, students may bring their own lunch. However, the school encourages nutritious choices and prohibits certain items for safety reasons. |
| Are there vegetarian or vegan options available? | Yes, vegetarian options are provided daily. Vegan options are available upon request or through special accommodation. |
| How can I apply for free or reduced-price lunch? | Applications can be submitted through the school district website or the school’s nutrition office. Eligibility is based on household income. |
| What if my child has a food allergy? | Parents must provide medical documentation and work with the nutrition staff to ensure safe meal accommodations. |
| Is the menu posted in advance? | Yes, menus are posted at least one month in advance on the district website and communicated via newsletters. |
Conclusion
The Broken Arrow Schools Lunch Menu reflects a commitment to nourishing students with wholesome, tasty, and varied meals. The program is designed to support the health and academic success of every child, recognizing the vital role nutrition plays in development.
By maintaining transparency, accommodating special needs, and continually updating meal options, Broken Arrow Schools foster an environment where children can thrive physically and mentally. Parents and students alike are encouraged to engage with the program, explore the menu options, and embrace the benefits of school-provided meals.
For more information, visit the Broken Arrow Public Schools Nutrition Services page or contact your school’s cafeteria directly.
