Newark City Schools Lunch Menu

Newark City Schools is dedicated to providing nutritious, delicious, and balanced meals to students each school day. The lunch menu is carefully crafted to meet dietary guidelines established by the USDA while also focusing on diverse flavors and student preferences.

The district understands the importance of healthy eating in student development and academic success. Therefore, the menu includes a wide range of options, from hot entrees and fresh fruits to vegetables and whole grains.

“Our mission is to nourish the minds and bodies of our students through healthy meals that support learning and well-being.”

— Newark City Schools Nutrition Department

Contents

Weekly Lunch Menu Overview

The Newark City Schools lunch menu operates on a rotating weekly schedule. Each week features a variety of entrees, sides, and desserts designed to keep meals exciting and balanced throughout the school year.

Menus are published monthly and are available both online and in printed form at all school cafeterias. Families and students can view upcoming meals and plan accordingly.

Day	Main Entree	Vegetable Side	Fruit Side	Grain	Beverage
Monday	Grilled Chicken Sandwich	Steamed Broccoli	Apple Slices	Whole Wheat Bun	Low-fat Milk
Tuesday	Beef Tacos	Mexican Corn	Orange Wedges	Soft Flour Tortilla	Low-fat Milk
Wednesday	Vegetarian Pasta Primavera	Garden Salad	Fresh Strawberries	Whole Grain Penne	Low-fat Milk
Thursday	BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich	Baked Beans	Grapes	Whole Wheat Bun	Low-fat Milk
Friday	Cheese Pizza	Carrot Sticks	Banana	Whole Wheat Crust	Low-fat Milk

Note: Vegetarian and allergen-friendly options are available every day. Please contact the Nutrition Department for special dietary accommodations.

Nutrition and Dietary Guidelines

Newark City Schools follows strict nutrition standards to ensure every meal contributes positively to student health. Meals are designed to meet or exceed the USDA’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP) requirements.

Each lunch provides:

A balanced portion of protein, grains, fruits, and vegetables
Low-fat or fat-free milk options
Limited sodium and saturated fat content
Whole grain-rich items at least half of the time

“Our commitment is to foster healthy eating habits that last a lifetime by offering meals rich in nutrients and flavor.”

Students receive at least one cup of vegetables and fruits each day. The district also incorporates seasonal produce to keep menus fresh and support local agriculture when possible.

Meal Components Explained

Each lunch includes several components, carefully portioned and selected to maximize nutrition and taste.

Proteins

Protein sources vary from lean meats like grilled chicken and turkey to plant-based proteins such as beans, tofu, and legumes. This variety helps support muscle growth and energy levels for students.

Vegetables

Vegetables are served either steamed, fresh, or roasted. Choices include broccoli, carrots, corn, green beans, and salads.

The focus is on colorful and nutrient-rich vegetables to encourage consumption.

Fruits

Fresh, canned (in 100% juice), or frozen fruits are part of every meal. Seasonal fruits like apples, oranges, bananas, and berries are rotated regularly to keep the menu appealing.

Grains

Grains are primarily whole grain-rich products including bread, pasta, tortillas, and rice. These provide essential fiber and energy for sustained concentration during the school day.

Dairy

Low-fat (1%) or fat-free milk options accompany every lunch. Alternative plant-based milks may be offered upon request with proper documentation.

Special Dietary Accommodations

Newark City Schools takes allergies and dietary restrictions seriously. Parents and guardians are encouraged to communicate their child’s needs to the school nurse and Nutrition Department.

The district offers:

Gluten-free options
Dairy-free and lactose-free alternatives
Nut-free meals
Vegetarian and vegan entrees

Allergy-friendly menus are posted monthly and updated as needed. The schools maintain strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination in kitchens and cafeterias.

“Ensuring every student can enjoy safe, nutritious meals is a top priority for Newark City Schools.”

Pricing and Payment Options

The Newark City Schools lunch program offers affordable pricing to ensure all students have access to quality meals.

Meal Type	Price
Paid Student Lunch	$2.75
Reduced Price Lunch	$0.40
Adult Lunch	$4.00
Milk Only	$0.50

Families can pay for meals online through the district’s secure portal or send payments directly to the school cafeteria. The district participates in the USDA’s Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program.

Important: Applications for free or reduced-price meals must be completed annually. Assistance is available for families who meet income guidelines.

How to Access the Menu

The monthly lunch menus are easily accessible to students, parents, and staff. They can be found in the following ways:

District Website: The official Newark City Schools website publishes the latest menus in PDF and interactive formats.
School Newsletters: Printed menus are included in monthly newsletters sent home with students.
Mobile App: The district app provides quick access to menus, nutritional information, and payment options.
School Cafeterias: Printed menus are displayed at cafeteria entrances and in common areas.

Transparency and communication are key goals of the Nutrition Department. Families are encouraged to review menus ahead of time and discuss meal choices with their children.

Sample Monthly Lunch Menu

Below is an example of a typical monthly lunch menu, showing the variety and balance offered to students. This sample represents a four-week rotation with diverse options.

Week	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Week 1	Turkey & Cheese Sandwich, Carrots, Apple	Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Garden Salad, Pears	Chicken Nuggets, Mashed Potatoes, Peaches	Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu, Brown Rice, Oranges	Cheese Pizza, Side Salad, Banana
Week 2	Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Tomato Soup, Grapes	Beef Taco Salad, Corn, Pineapple	BBQ Chicken Drumstick, Green Beans, Mixed Fruit	Macaroni and Cheese, Broccoli, Applesauce	Fish Sticks, Coleslaw, Fresh Strawberries
Week 3	Chicken Caesar Wrap, Cucumber Slices, Orange	Vegetarian Chili, Cornbread, Banana	Hot Dog on Whole Wheat Bun, Baked Beans, Pears	Lasagna, Side Salad, Mixed Fruit	Cheese Quesadilla, Salsa, Apple Slices
Week 4	Ham and Cheese Wrap, Baby Carrots, Pineapple	Sloppy Joe, Sweet Potato Fries, Grapes	Chicken Alfredo, Steamed Broccoli, Peaches	Veggie Burger, Lettuce & Tomato, Fresh Fruit	Personal Pepperoni Pizza, Caesar Salad, Banana

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can students with food allergies eat school lunches?

Yes. Newark City Schools is committed to accommodating food allergies.

Families must submit medical documentation to ensure appropriate meals are provided safely.

Are meals free for all students?

Meals are free for students who qualify based on income guidelines. Others pay a nominal fee.

The district encourages families to apply for free/reduced meals if eligible.

Can students bring lunch from home?

Yes, students may bring lunch from home. However, the school encourages participation in the lunch program to ensure balanced nutrition and social interaction.

What if my child doesn’t like the menu options?

The district offers multiple choices daily and rotates menus monthly to provide variety. Feedback from students and families is welcomed to improve offerings.

How do I pay for meals?

Payments can be made online via the district’s portal or sent to the school cafeteria. Prepayment is encouraged to streamline service.

In conclusion, Newark City Schools strives to provide nutritious, tasty, and inclusive meal options to support students’ health and academic success. With varied menus, attention to dietary needs, and affordable pricing, the lunch program is an essential part of the school community.