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F.A.Q.

How am I notified about my child's low lunch balance?
In an effort for every child to have the meal of their choice, the Child Nutrition department utilizes a phone/email system to contact households that have a student with an account balance below $ -1.00. These calls are made every Sunday night.

My child seems to run out of money in their lunch account sooner than I expect, why are they charged more for a la carte items than if they get the standard hot meal?
We receive federal funding for the school lunch program, and to ensure that children select healthy meals, the Federal Government requires that students select foods according to our menu plan. If a child does not select a reimbursable meal the school district does not receive funding for any portion of the meal. In this case, students are charged a la carte prices for items selected. Consequently, they could actually pay more for less food.

Why can't teachers tell my elementary child what to select at lunch?
This again relates to federal guidelines and federal funding. Because we offer a choice of entrees, the student must independently select a reimbursable meal. We can offer, but not serve, so that is why we have to ask faculty not to add additional items to student trays. We cannot make changes that seem like we are forcing students to take full meals to increase our federal funding. In summary, teachers may suggest not tell or force students to take items offered.

Can I bring homemade items into my child's classroom to share with other students?
Parents can send food for the consumption of their student only for breakfast and lunch. The Texas Public School Nutrition Policy prohibits elementary school campus from making available foods other than the foods provided by the Student Nutrition Department except for one (1) nutritious snack per day under the supervision of the teacher. Snacks may be mid-morning or mid-afternoon but may not be at the same time as the regular meal periods for that class. Snacks must comply with the fat and sugar limits of the Public School Nutrition Policy and can not contain or consist of candy or dessert type items (cookies, cakes, cupcakes, pudding, ice cream or frozen desserts). This policy also prohibits the sale of competitive foods (vending & fundraising food sales) in Elementary Schools and in Middle Schools until after the end of the last lunch period. In High Schools the sale of competitive foods (vending & fundraising food sales are prohibited in the dining areas and Food of Minimal Nutrition Value cannot be sold until after the last scheduled class. For more information regarding the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy contact the Texas Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Division at (888) TEX KIDS or healthykids@agr.state.tx.us .

What if my child needs a special diet?
Student Nutrition works jointly with the school nurses to provide for students with special medical dietary needs. All requests for special dietary modifications must include a written order and a prescribed diet from the student's doctor or a registered dietitian. Parents can contact the school nurse or the Student Nutrition Department for information on such accommodations.

How can I find out what my student is eating at school?
You may contact your campus cafeteria manager for a Transaction report. It can be sent by email or you may pick it up from the cafeteria.