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Nutrition Services » Frequently Asked Questions

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?
 
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?

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.
 
7) Medical Statement for Children with Special Dietary Needs

According to USDA Regulation 7 CFR Part 15b, recipients who provide food services shall serve special meals, at no extra charge, to persons whose handicap restricts their diet. Recipients may require disabled persons to provide medical certification that special meals are needed because of their handicap.Each special dietary request must be supported by a statement explaining the requested food substitution and must be signed by a recognized medical authority. The Medical Statement must include:

  • An identification of the medical or other exceptional dietary condition that restricts the child’s diet;

  • The food or foods to be omitted from the child’s diet and

  • The food or choice of foods to be substituted.

Your child will receive a regular lunch tray if we do not receive a medical statement from a recognized medical authority. Medical statements completed by parents or guardians will not be accepted. Generally, children with food allergies or intolerances do not have a disability as defined under either Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or Part B of IDEA, and the school food service may make food substitutions for them but is not required to. However, when in the licensed physician’s assessment, food allergies may result in severe, life-threatening (anaphylactic) reactions, the child’s condition would meet the definition of “disability,” and the substitutions prescribed by the licensed physician must be made. School food service may make food substitutions, at their discretion, for individual children who do not have a disability but who are medically certified as having a particular medical or dietary need. Such determinations are only made on a case-by-case basis. This provision covers children with food intolerances or allergies who do not have life-threatening reactions (anaphylactic reactions) when exposed to the food(s) they have problems with.