Jerome Joint School District No. 261

NONINSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS 8220

Food Services

The District supports the philosophy of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and shall provide

wholesome, appetizing, and nutritious meals for children in the District's schools. Because of potential liability to

the District, the food services program shall not accept donations of food without the approval of the Board and

the appropriate agency such as the local public health district and/or the United States Department of Agriculture

(USDA). Should the Board approve a food donation, the Superintendent shall establish inspection and handling

procedures for the food and determine that the provisions of all State and local laws have been met and consult

with local public health districts before selling the food as part of the school meals.

Community Involvement

The District shall promote activities to involve students and parents in the school lunch and breakfast programs.

Such activities may include teaching students about good nutrition practices and involving the school faculty and

the general community in activities to enhance the program.

To the maximum extent practical, the District shall inform families about the availability of breakfast for students.

Information shall be distributed just prior to or at the beginning of the school year. Additional reminders may be

sent throughout the school year and/or posted to the District’s website.

United States Department of Agriculture Foods

The District shall use USDA foods made available under the Federal Food Distribution Program for school meals.

Qualifications of School Food Service Staff

Qualified nutrition professionals will administer the school meal programs. As part of the District’s responsibility to

operate a food service program, continuing professional development opportunities may be provided to select

District nutrition professionals. These development programs should include appropriate certification and/or

training programs for child nutrition directors, school nutrition managers, and cafeteria workers, according to their

levels of responsibility. The District may work with the School Nutrition Association for such professional

development offerings.

Free and Reduced Price Food Services

The District shall provide free and reduced price meals to students according to the terms of the National School

Lunch Program (NSLP) and the National School Breakfast Program (SBP). The District shall inform parents of the

eligibility standards for free or reduced price meals. Identity of students receiving free or reduced price meals will

be confidential in accordance with the guidelines for the NSLP and SBP. A parent has the right to appeal any

decision with respect to his or her application for free or reduced price food services to a designated hearing

official.

The amount charged for such meals shall be sufficient to cover all costs of the meals, including preparation labor,

food costs, handling costs, utility costs, and equipment depreciation costs.

Every effort is to be made to eliminate any social stigma attached to, and prevent the overt identification of,

students who are eligible for free and reduced-price school meals. Toward this end, the availability of school meals

to all students will be promoted and electronic identification of students and payment systems utilized where

feasible.

Summer Food Service Program

If more than 50% of a school’s students are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, that school may

sponsor the Summer Food Service Program.

Legal Reference: 42 U.S.C. 1751et seq. National School Lunch Act

7 CFR Parts 210.12 Student, Parent, and Community Involvement

Policy History:

Adopted on: 02/28/2017

Revised on: