Welcome to District 135’s Lunch Menu! Providing balanced, nutritious meals to students and staff is a priority for our school district.
Our lunch program offers a variety of options designed to meet diverse dietary needs, promote healthy eating habits, and support academic success.
Each week, the District 135 lunch menu is carefully crafted by nutrition experts and culinary professionals to ensure meals are appetizing, wholesome, and aligned with USDA guidelines. Below you will find detailed weekly menus, nutritional information, allergy notices, and tips for making the most of our lunch program.
“Good nutrition fuels learning. Our District 135 lunch program is dedicated to nourishing minds and bodies every day.” – District 135 Nutrition Services Coordinator
Overview of the Lunch Program
The District 135 lunch program serves meals Monday through Friday during the school year. Meals are available for all students, and special accommodations can be made for allergies and dietary restrictions.
Key Features of the Program:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables daily
- Whole grain options for breads and pasta
- Low-fat and lean protein selections
- Reduced sodium and sugar in all meals
- Special diet accommodations including vegetarian and gluten-free options
Our commitment is to offer meals that are tasty and nutritious while supporting student health and wellbeing.
Weekly Lunch Menu Example
Below is an example of a typical weekly lunch menu for District 135. Menus may vary slightly by school and season to incorporate fresh local produce and meet student preferences.
| Day | Main Entrée | Side Dishes | Beverage | Fruit/Vegetable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Grilled Chicken Sandwich on Whole Wheat Bun | Steamed Broccoli, Baked Sweet Potato Fries | Low Fat Milk or Water | Fresh Apple Slices |
| Tuesday | Vegetarian Black Bean Chili | Brown Rice, Garden Salad with Light Dressing | Low Fat Milk or Water | Orange Wedges |
| Wednesday | Turkey Meatballs with Whole Wheat Spaghetti | Steamed Green Beans, Garlic Breadstick | Low Fat Milk or Water | Mixed Berry Cup |
| Thursday | Cheese Quesadilla with Salsa | Mexican Corn Salad, Black Bean Side | Low Fat Milk or Water | Fresh Pineapple Chunks |
| Friday | Homemade Cheese Pizza | Caesar Salad, Carrot Sticks | Low Fat Milk or Water | Fresh Strawberries |
Nutritional Philosophy
Nutrition is at the heart of our lunch program. Meals are designed to provide essential vitamins, minerals, and energy to help students stay alert and focused throughout their school day.
We emphasize:
- Balanced Macronutrients: Each meal includes appropriate portions of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
- Whole Foods: Preference for minimally processed ingredients to retain natural nutrients.
- Reduced Sodium and Sugar: Limiting added salt and sugars to promote long-term health.
- Variety: Offering different foods daily to expose students to a broad range of flavors and nutrients.
Our menus are reviewed and updated regularly by registered dietitians to ensure compliance with federal nutrition standards.
Special Dietary Accommodations
District 135 recognizes the importance of inclusive nutrition. We offer options for students with food allergies, intolerances, or specific dietary preferences.
Some accommodations available include:
- Gluten-Free Options: Meals prepared without wheat, barley, or rye.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Choices: Plant-based meals free from animal products.
- Nut-Free Zones: To protect students with nut allergies, many meals are prepared in nut-free environments.
- Lactose Intolerance: Lactose-free milk or dairy alternatives are provided on request.
Parents are encouraged to contact the nutrition services department with specific concerns or to submit allergy forms for their children.
“Our goal is to make sure every student can enjoy lunch safely and happily.” – District 135 Food Services Manager
How to Access the Lunch Menu
The District 135 lunch menu is available online and updated monthly. Parents and students can access it through the school district’s website or via the school’s mobile app.
Additionally, printed menus are distributed at the beginning of each month and posted on bulletin boards in cafeterias. This transparency allows families to plan meals and discuss nutrition choices.
Menu Accessibility Features
- Menus are formatted for easy reading and include allergen information.
- Nutrition facts and ingredient lists are available upon request.
- Translations are provided in multiple languages to serve our diverse community.
Pricing and Payment Options
School lunch prices in District 135 are designed to be affordable, with options for free or reduced-price meals for qualifying families.
| Meal Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Full Paid Student Lunch | $3.25 |
| Reduced Price Student Lunch | $0.40 |
| Adult Lunch | $4.50 |
Payments can be made online through our secure portal or in person at school offices. Accounts can be monitored by parents to keep track of meal purchases and balances.
Note: Families experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to apply for meal assistance programs confidentially via the school district office.
Educational and Wellness Initiatives
Beyond providing meals, District 135 integrates nutrition education and wellness initiatives into the school culture. These programs aim to foster lifelong healthy habits in students.
Examples include:
- Farm-to-School Programs: Collaborations with local farms to bring fresh, seasonal produce into cafeterias.
- Nutrition Classes: Curriculum modules that teach students about balanced diets, reading food labels, and cooking basics.
- Wellness Challenges: School-wide events promoting physical activity and healthy eating habits.
These initiatives complement the lunch menu by encouraging students to make mindful food choices inside and outside of school.
Sample Daily Nutritional Breakdown
Understanding the nutritional content of meals can help families support their children’s dietary needs. Below is an example of the nutritional breakdown for a typical Monday lunch:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 600 kcal | 30% |
| Total Fat | 18 g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 70 mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 700 mg | 29% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 75 g | 25% |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 g | 32% |
| Protein | 35 g | 70% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Common Questions About District 135 Lunch Menu
Can students bring their own lunches?
Yes, students are welcome to bring lunches from home. We encourage balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to complement the school’s nutrition standards.
Are there vegetarian options available every day?
District 135 strives to offer at least one vegetarian entrée daily to provide variety and accommodate dietary preferences.
How are food allergies managed?
The nutrition services team works closely with families and school nurses to identify allergies. Meals are prepared in safe environments and alternative options are provided as needed.
Is water available during lunch?
Yes, water fountains and bottled water options are available in cafeterias to ensure students stay hydrated.
Testimonials from Students and Parents
“I love the variety in the lunch menu. There’s always something new to try!” – Emily, 6th Grade Student
“Knowing my child has access to healthy meals at school gives me peace of mind.” – Mrs. Garcia, Parent
“The vegetarian options are delicious and filling. It’s great to see the school catering to different diets.” – Jacob, 8th Grade Student
Contact Information
If you have questions, feedback, or require special meal accommodations, please contact the District 135 Nutrition Services Department:
| Phone: | (555) 123-4567 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| Office Hours: | Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Address: | 123 School Lane, District 135 Headquarters |
Conclusion
The District 135 lunch menu is more than just food; it is a vital part of our educational mission to support student health, wellbeing, and academic success. By offering balanced meals, accommodating diverse needs, and promoting nutrition education, the program aims to empower students with the fuel and knowledge they need to thrive.
Stay informed, stay nourished, and enjoy every bite!
