Westside Elementary Lunch Menu

Welcome to the official lunch menu for Westside Elementary School. We understand the importance of providing nutritious, tasty, and balanced meals to our students.

Our lunch program is designed to meet federal nutrition guidelines while ensuring every child enjoys their meal.

Each week, the menu changes to offer a variety of options that cater to different tastes and dietary needs. We prioritize fresh ingredients and strive to include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in every meal served.

“Healthy eating habits formed in childhood last a lifetime. At Westside Elementary, we are proud to nurture these habits through delicious and balanced lunches.” – Nutrition Coordinator, Westside Elementary

Contents

Weekly Lunch Menu Overview

The weekly lunch menu consists of a main entrée, a side vegetable or fruit, a grain or bread item, and a milk choice. Students may also choose to have additional servings of fruits or vegetables based on availability.

Day	Main Entrée	Side 1	Side 2	Grain/Bread	Milk Options
Monday	Grilled Chicken Sandwich	Steamed Broccoli	Fresh Apple Slices	Whole Wheat Bun	1% White, Fat-Free Chocolate
Tuesday	Cheese Pizza	Garden Salad	Orange Wedges	Garlic Breadstick	1% White, Fat-Free Strawberry
Wednesday	Beef Tacos	Refried Beans	Sliced Pears	Soft Corn Tortillas	1% White, Fat-Free Chocolate
Thursday	Spaghetti with Meat Sauce	Steamed Green Beans	Fresh Grapes	Whole Wheat Roll	1% White, Fat-Free Strawberry
Friday	Fish Sticks	Sweet Potato Fries	Mixed Fruit Cup	Whole Wheat Bread	1% White, Fat-Free Chocolate

Nutritional Philosophy and Guidelines

Westside Elementary complies with the USDA’s National School Lunch Program guidelines to offer meals that promote healthy growth and development. Our menu is crafted to provide students with:

Balanced Macronutrients: Adequate portions of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Vitamins and Minerals: A variety of fruits and vegetables to supply essential micronutrients.
Whole Grains: At least half of all grains served are whole grains for better digestion and heart health.
Reduced Sodium and Sugar: Limiting excess salt and added sugars to support long-term health.

Our meals are designed to appeal to children’s palates while encouraging a lifetime of healthy eating habits.

Special Dietary Accommodations

We recognize that some students have special dietary needs due to allergies, intolerances, or medical conditions. Our food services team works closely with parents and healthcare providers to ensure safe and appropriate meal options.

Common Allergens Managed: Peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.
How to Request Accommodations: Parents should submit a medical statement signed by a licensed healthcare provider detailing the student’s dietary needs. This allows us to customize menus and avoid cross-contamination.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Available daily upon request. These meals include plant-based proteins such as beans, lentils, tofu, and a variety of vegetables and grains.

Monthly Featured Items

Every month, Westside Elementary highlights special dishes that reflect seasonal ingredients, cultural diversity, or student favorites. These featured items add excitement and variety to the lunch program.

Month	Featured Dish	Description
September	Harvest Turkey Wrap	Whole wheat wrap filled with roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, lettuce, and a hint of mustard.
October	Pumpkin Soup	Creamy pumpkin soup seasoned with mild spices, served with a whole grain roll.
November	Sweet Potato Casserole	A comforting baked dish with mashed sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping.
December	Holiday Stir Fry	Mixed vegetables and chicken sautéed in a savory ginger sauce over brown rice.
January	Hearty Chili	Bean and lean beef chili with diced tomatoes and mild seasoning, served with cornbread.
February	Heart-Shaped Cheese Quesadilla	Whole wheat quesadilla filled with melted cheese, served with salsa and sour cream.
March	Green Pea Risotto	Creamy risotto with fresh green peas and Parmesan cheese.
April	Spring Vegetable Pasta	Whole grain pasta tossed with asparagus, peas, and a light lemon sauce.
May	Grilled Veggie Kabobs	Skewered zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes grilled to perfection.
June	Summer Fruit Salad	Refreshing mix of seasonal fruits served chilled.

Understanding Portion Sizes and Serving Suggestions

Portion sizes are carefully measured to meet the nutritional needs of children in different grade levels. Younger students receive smaller portions, while older students get slightly larger servings to fuel their growing bodies.

Our serving staff is trained to encourage students to take a balanced meal, including at least one fruit and one vegetable daily. We also promote drinking milk to support bone health.

Sample Portion Recommendations:

Fruit: ½ cup to 1 cup depending on age
Vegetables: ¼ cup to ¾ cup
Protein: 1 to 3 ounces
Grains: ½ to 1 slice or equivalent

Tips for Parents to Encourage Healthy Lunch Habits

Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing healthy eating habits. Here are some practical tips to support your child’s lunch experience at school:

Discuss the Menu: Review the weekly menu with your child and involve them in selecting their meals to increase enthusiasm.
Encourage Trying New Foods: Motivate your child to try at least one new fruit or vegetable each week.
Pack Supplementary Snacks: If your child has a hearty appetite, consider sending a healthy snack to complement their school lunch.
Communicate with Staff: Inform the cafeteria or school nurse about any allergies or preferences to ensure safety.

“Children are more likely to eat nutritious foods when they feel involved in the process and supported at home.” – School Nutritionist

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can my child bring lunch from home?

A: Yes, students may bring lunches from home. We encourage balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Refrigeration is not available, so please pack accordingly.

Q: Are beverages other than milk provided?

A: Milk is the primary beverage offered with lunch. Water is available at all times.

We do not serve sugary drinks to promote healthy hydration.

Q: How can I pay for school lunches?

A: Payments can be made online via the school portal or in person at the school office. Free and reduced-price lunch programs are available for qualifying families.

Q: What if my child has a food allergy?

A: Please submit a medical statement from your healthcare provider. Our kitchen staff will work to accommodate allergies and prevent cross-contact.

Q: How is the menu developed?

A: Our nutrition team collaborates with dietitians and local suppliers to design menus that meet nutritional standards and reflect student preferences.

Building a Better Lunch Program Together

We continuously seek feedback from students, parents, and staff to enhance the quality and appeal of our lunch offerings. Your input helps us improve and innovate.

Ways to Provide Feedback:

Participate in the annual school nutrition survey.
Join the school wellness committee.
Contact the Food Services Department directly via email or phone.

Together, we can ensure every lunch served at Westside Elementary is a step towards healthier, happier students.

Note: Menus are subject to change based on product availability and seasonal factors. Westside Elementary is committed to transparency and will notify families promptly about any significant alterations.