Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is there a link between good eating habits and student performance in school?
Numerous studies indicate that the answer is a resounding “yes”. According to these studies, children who eat healthy meals (breakfasts and lunches) score higher on tests, have better attendance, make fewer trips to school nurses, and have fewer disciplinary problems. School meals play a critical role, as they provide students with the healthiest, lowest-cost, most nutritionally balanced meals available during the school day.
2) Is my child getting the nutrients he/she needs from the school meals?
Yes. The Lemon Grove School District (LGSD) Nutrition Services follows nutritional guidelines set by the federal state and local governments, and analyzes meals to ensure compliance with nutritional requirements. No foods are fried; only reduced or non-fat white milk is served; fresh fruit and vegetables are served every day and a fresh produce snack is offered at morning recess.
3) What should I do if my child requires special diet modifications?
Numerous studies indicate that the answer is a resounding “yes”. According to these studies, children who eat healthy meals (breakfasts and lunches) score higher on tests, have better attendance, make fewer trips to school nurses, and have fewer disciplinary problems. School meals play a critical role, as they provide students with the healthiest, lowest-cost, most nutritionally balanced meals available during the school day.
2) Is my child getting the nutrients he/she needs from the school meals?
Yes. The Lemon Grove School District (LGSD) Nutrition Services follows nutritional guidelines set by the federal state and local governments, and analyzes meals to ensure compliance with nutritional requirements. No foods are fried; only reduced or non-fat white milk is served; fresh fruit and vegetables are served every day and a fresh produce snack is offered at morning recess.
3) What should I do if my child requires special diet modifications?
LGSD Nutrition Services works closely with the school's health clerk to ensure special dietary needs are provided when a statement signed by a licensed physician, physician assistant or another recognized medical authority requests special diet modifications. The signed statement must be provided to the school health clerk, who will forward it to the school's cafeteria manager and the Director of Nutrition Services.
4) Sometimes I think that portions are too large, or are too small. Who sets the size of portions?
4) Sometimes I think that portions are too large, or are too small. Who sets the size of portions?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) established the meal component portion sizes and the age-appropriate serving sizes of meats/meat alternates, fruits, vegetables, bread/grain products and milk. Each school district that participates in the National School Lunch Program, and other nutrition programs, must meet the USDA's requirements. Visit the USDA website for more information about the New Meal Patterns http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/governance/legislation/nutritionstandards.htm
5) How are the menus organized? Who sets them?
Our school menus are organized on a four week cycle. The menus (generally) repeat every four weeks. Schools use a four-week cycle format because it allows maximum flexibility and limits overall inventory levels. The cycle menu allows us to incorporate changing student tastes, introduce new items and evaluate participation rates. However our Breakfast in the Classroom program operates on a two week cycle menu.
6) Why do adults pay more than children for the same meal? Per USDA program
regulations, adult meals must be priced to cover the costs of those meals. We can offer student meals at a reduced price (from adult priced meals) because the school lunch and breakfast programs receive reimbursement from the government for each student meal served. Since adults' meals are not eligible for reimbursement we must charge adults the full cost of the meal. Annual surveys of area meal prices consistently show that LGSD adult meals are comparably priced with the greater San Diego area.