The Ritenour School District prides itself on providing students with nutritious, delicious, and balanced meals every day. The lunch menu is thoughtfully designed to meet dietary guidelines while appealing to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Understanding the importance of a healthy midday meal, Ritenour offers a wide selection of entrees, sides, and beverages to ensure students get the energy they need to succeed academically and physically throughout the day.
Nutrition and variety are at the core of the Ritenour lunch program, which incorporates fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into every meal.
Weekly Menu Overview
The lunch menu rotates on a weekly basis to provide a diverse range of meals, preventing menu fatigue and encouraging students to try new foods. Each week includes a balance of protein, grains, dairy, and fruits or vegetables.
Menus are published in advance and made available on the district website, allowing families to plan accordingly and accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences.
| Day | Main Entrée | Sides | Fruit/Vegetable | Beverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Grilled Chicken Sandwich | Sweet Potato Fries | Steamed Broccoli | Low-fat Milk |
| Tuesday | Beef Taco Salad | Refried Beans | Fresh Apple Slices | 100% Fruit Juice |
| Wednesday | Spaghetti with Meat Sauce | Garlic Breadstick | Garden Salad | Low-fat Milk |
| Thursday | Turkey and Cheese Wrap | Carrot Sticks | Orange Wedges | Water |
| Friday | Cheese Pizza | Mixed Vegetables | Fresh Banana | Low-fat Milk |
Meal Components Explained
Main Entrée: The main entrée serves as the primary source of protein and calories. Options vary daily from poultry, beef, vegetarian dishes, and seafood where available.
The entrees are crafted to be both tasty and nutritionally balanced.
Sides: Side dishes complement the entrée and typically include whole grains, legumes, or starchy vegetables. These sides add fiber and complex carbohydrates to sustain energy throughout the afternoon.
Fruits and Vegetables: Every meal includes fresh or cooked fruits and vegetables, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The district emphasizes seasonal produce whenever possible to maximize freshness and flavor.
Beverages: The standard beverage offerings include low-fat or non-fat milk, 100% fruit juices, and water. Sweetened drinks and sodas are not part of the routine menu, supporting the district’s commitment to healthy hydration.
Special Menus and Dietary Accommodations
Ritenour recognizes the diverse nutritional needs of its student population. Special menus are available for students with allergies, religious restrictions, or specific health conditions such as diabetes or celiac disease.
The district employs registered dietitians who work closely with families to develop individualized meal plans that meet both nutritional requirements and personal preferences.
“Providing safe and enjoyable meals for every student is our top priority. We strive to accommodate all dietary needs with sensitivity and care.”
– Ritenour Nutrition Services Director
Vegetarian and vegan options are regularly featured on the menu, and gluten-free alternatives are available upon request. Families are encouraged to inform the school nurse or food service staff about any allergies or dietary concerns.
Sample Monthly Menu Breakdown
To get a better understanding of the variety offered, here is a detailed sample menu for one month at Ritenour schools. This example illustrates the rotating nature of the menu and the emphasis on balanced nutrition.
| Week | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Chicken Nuggets Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans |
Beef Soft Taco Mexican Rice, Corn |
Mac & Cheese Steamed Carrots, Dinner Roll |
Ham & Cheese Sandwich Celery Sticks, Fresh Pear |
Personal Cheese Pizza Garden Salad, Fresh Orange |
| Week 2 | Turkey Meatballs Spaghetti, Broccoli |
BBQ Chicken Sandwich Coleslaw, Baked Beans |
Cheese Quesadilla Refried Beans, Salsa |
Roast Beef Wrap Baby Carrots, Apple Slices |
Fish Sticks French Fries, Peas |
| Week 3 | Sloppy Joe Sweet Potato Tots, Mixed Veggies |
Chicken Alfredo Steamed Zucchini, Breadstick |
Cheeseburger Lettuce, Tomato, Oven Fries |
Turkey Wrap Cucumber Slices, Fresh Grapes |
Cheese Pizza Caesar Salad, Fresh Banana |
| Week 4 | Grilled Chicken Salad Roll, Fruit Cup |
Beef Chili Cornbread, Green Beans |
Vegetable Stir Fry Brown Rice, Edamame |
Ham Sandwich Carrot Sticks, Orange Slices |
Cheese Ravioli Steamed Broccoli, Garlic Bread |
Nutrition and Wellness Initiatives
Ritenour School District follows federal and state nutrition standards, including those set by the USDA National School Lunch Program. These standards ensure that meals are low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars while rich in essential nutrients.
In addition to healthy meals, the district promotes wellness education through classroom activities and family engagement efforts. Nutrition workshops, cooking demonstrations, and taste-testing events help encourage healthy eating habits in students.
“Our goal is not only to feed students but to educate them about the importance of nutrition and lifelong wellness.”
– Ritenour Wellness Coordinator
Programs such as Farm to School connect local farmers with the district’s food service programs, bringing fresh, locally sourced produce directly to cafeteria trays. This supports the community and teaches students about sustainable food systems.
How to Access the Lunch Menu
The Ritenour lunch menu is accessible in multiple formats for convenience. Parents and students can view the menu online via the school district’s website, which is updated monthly.
Printed menus are also distributed at schools and available in the main office. Notifications about menu changes or special events like holiday meals or themed lunches are communicated through newsletters and the district’s social media channels.
For students with digital access, an interactive online portal allows meal selection and pre-ordering in some schools, streamlining cafeteria lines and enhancing the lunch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are vegetarian options available daily? | Yes, vegetarian meals are included regularly and clearly marked on the menu. |
| Can students bring their own lunch? | Absolutely. Students may bring lunch from home and still participate in school meal programs. |
| How does the district accommodate food allergies? | Families must notify the school nurse and nutrition services to arrange safe meal options tailored to allergy needs. |
| Is breakfast served at Ritenour schools? | Yes, breakfast is offered daily with a variety of healthy choices. |
| Are meals free or reduced-price for qualifying students? | Yes, the district participates in federally funded meal assistance programs. Families can apply through the district website. |
Conclusion
The Ritenour Lunch Menu embodies the district’s commitment to fostering a healthy, supportive environment for students. By providing well-balanced meals that meet nutritional standards and offer variety, the program plays a vital role in student well-being and academic success.
Families and students are encouraged to explore the menu options each month and participate in the district’s wellness initiatives. Together, they contribute to a culture that values health, education, and community.
For more information, visit the Ritenour School District Nutrition Services page or contact your school’s main office.
