NON-INSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS 8220
[NOTE: THE FOLLOWING POLICIES PROVIDING NUTRITION AND MEAL REQUIREMENTS, ETC. ARE REQUIRED ONLY IF YOUR CHARTER SCHOOL RECEIVES FEDERAL FUNDS UNDER EITHER THE CHILD NUTRITION ACT OF 1966 (42 USC § 1771), and/or THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH ACT (42 USC § 1751).]
Food Services
RISE Charter School supports the philosophy of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and shall provide wholesome, appetizing, and nutritious meals for children in the Charter School. Because of potential liability to the Charter School, 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 Executive Director 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 Charter School 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 Charter School 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 Charter School’s website.
United States Department of Agriculture Foods
The Charter School 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 Charter School’s responsibility to operate a food service program, continuing professional development opportunities may be provided to select Charter School 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 Charter School may work with the School Nutrition Association for professional development offerings.
Free and Reduced Price Food Services
The Charter School 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 Charter School shall inform parents of the eligibility standards for free or reduced price meals. The 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 percent of a school’s students are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, that school may sponsor the Summer Food Service Program.
Legal References:
42 U.S.C. § 1751, et seq. National School Lunch Act
7 C.F.R. § 210.12 Requirements for School Food Authority Parent, and Community Involvement
Policy History:
Adopted on: July 26, 2021
Revised on:
Reviewed on: