Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS) is committed to providing nutritious, balanced, and appealing meals to students across its district. The lunch menu is thoughtfully designed to meet federal nutrition guidelines while accommodating diverse tastes and dietary needs.
Each school within GFPS offers a rotating lunch menu that emphasizes fresh ingredients, seasonal produce, and a variety of meal options to encourage healthy eating habits among students. The menus are regularly updated to reflect feedback from students, parents, and nutrition experts.
Understanding the importance of school meals in supporting student learning and wellness, GFPS ensures that each lunch provides essential nutrients required for growth and concentration throughout the school day.
Overview of the Lunch Program
The Great Falls Public Schools lunch program follows strict nutritional standards set by the USDA and Montana state guidelines. Meals are planned to include servings from the five main food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy.
Menus typically offer choices between hot entrees, sandwiches, salads, and vegetarian options. GFPS also prioritizes allergen management and offers alternatives for students with specific dietary restrictions.
“School meals play a vital role in children’s health, academic achievement, and lifelong habits. We strive to create meals that are both nutritious and enjoyable.” – GFPS Nutrition Services Director
Parents and guardians can access the lunch menu online and review nutritional information, ingredients, and allergen notices. This transparency helps families make informed decisions regarding their children’s diet.
Weekly Lunch Menu Sample
The following table presents a sample weekly lunch menu for Great Falls Public Schools. Note that menus may vary between schools and are subject to seasonal changes.
| Day | Main Entrée | Sides | Fruit | Beverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Grilled Chicken Sandwich | Steamed Broccoli, Baked Potato Wedges | Apple Slices | Low-fat Milk |
| Tuesday | Spaghetti with Meat Sauce | Green Beans, Garlic Bread | Orange Wedges | Low-fat Milk |
| Wednesday | Cheese Quesadilla | Mexican Rice, Corn | Banana | Low-fat Milk |
| Thursday | Turkey and Cheese Sub | Carrot Sticks, Baked Chips | Mixed Fruit Cup | Low-fat Milk |
| Friday | Homemade Pizza | Side Salad, Celery Sticks | Grapes | Low-fat Milk |
Note: All meals include a serving of vegetables and fruit, and milk is offered daily to support calcium intake.
Nutritional Goals and Standards
Great Falls Public Schools follows the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act regulations to ensure meals meet daily and weekly nutritional standards. These include limits on sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars.
Each lunch provides about one-third of the recommended daily calories for children in grades K-12. Emphasis is placed on whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh vegetables to promote heart health and sustain energy.
The program also incorporates educational initiatives, such as nutrition lessons and taste-testing events, to engage students in understanding the value of healthy food choices.
Special Diets and Allergy Accommodations
GFPS takes allergies and dietary restrictions seriously. Parents must communicate with the school nutrition services to request accommodations for allergies such as nuts, dairy, gluten, or other sensitivities.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available regularly, and gluten-free meals can be provided upon request. The nutrition staff is trained in allergen management and cross-contact prevention.
“Our goal is to ensure every student can enjoy a safe, healthy meal without feeling excluded.” – GFPS Nutrition Coordinator
Menus clearly indicate potential allergens, and ingredient lists are accessible online for all meal offerings.
How to Access the Lunch Menu
The Great Falls Public Schools lunch menu is published monthly and available on the official district website. Families can view daily menus by school, download PDFs, or subscribe to email notifications for menu updates.
Menus include details such as nutritional content, portion sizes, and special event meals (e.g., holiday themes or cultural food days). This helps parents prepare their children and encourages participation in the lunch program.
For convenience, many schools also display weekly menus in cafeterias and send printed copies home with students.
Pricing and Payment Options
School lunches in Great Falls Public Schools are competitively priced to ensure affordability. Prices are set in accordance with federal guidelines and offer discounts for families qualifying for free or reduced-price meals.
| Meal Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Full-Pay Student Lunch | $2.75 |
| Reduced-Price Student Lunch | $0.40 |
| Adult Lunch | $4.00 |
| Extra Entrée | $1.50 |
Payments can be made online through the district’s meal payment portal, via cash or check at school, or through pre-paid accounts managed by parents. Automated low-balance alerts help families stay informed about account status.
Families interested in applying for free or reduced-price meals should contact the school nutrition office or complete the application available on the website.
Benefits of the GFPS Lunch Program
The comprehensive lunch program offered by Great Falls Public Schools contributes significantly to student success. Proper nutrition is linked to improved concentration, better test scores, and positive behavior in the classroom.
Moreover, the program supports local agriculture by sourcing some ingredients from Montana farms and producers, fostering community connections.
“Providing healthy meals is an investment in our students’ futures — physically, academically, and socially.” – Superintendent of GFPS
Students also gain exposure to a variety of cuisines and flavors, broadening their palate and appreciation for cultural diversity through food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How can I find out if my child’s school offers vegetarian options?
A: Most GFPS schools include vegetarian items daily or weekly. The menu online specifies these options, or you can contact the school nutrition staff for details.
Q: Are snacks available for purchase at lunch?
A: Some schools offer à la carte items such as fruits, vegetables, or milk, but the focus remains on balanced meals rather than snacks.
Q: What if my child has multiple food allergies?
A: Contact the school nurse and nutrition services to develop an individualized meal plan that ensures safety and nutrition.
Q: Can parents eat lunch with their children at school?
A: Yes, parents are generally welcome to join their children for lunch. Adult meals can be purchased at the adult price.
Q: Is breakfast also offered in GFPS?
A: Yes, many schools offer breakfast programs focused on quick, nutritious options to start the day right.
Important Reminder: Menus are subject to change due to availability of ingredients and seasonal factors. Please check regularly for updates to ensure you have the latest information.
Contact Information
For more information about the Great Falls Public Schools lunch menu, payment options, or dietary accommodations, please reach out to the Nutrition Services Department:
- Phone: (406) 268-6207
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.gfps.k12.mt.us/nutrition
Conclusion
Great Falls Public Schools’ lunch program exemplifies a commitment to student health, academic performance, and community engagement through nutritious meals. By continuously updating menus, accommodating dietary needs, and involving families, GFPS fosters an environment where students can thrive.
Whether your child prefers classic favorites or is eager to try new foods, the lunch menu offers something for everyone. Supporting students with healthy meals is a shared responsibility that GFPS embraces wholeheartedly.
Explore the menus, communicate with school nutrition staff, and participate in school meal programs to help ensure your child’s success both in and out of the classroom.
