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School Nutrition Association
Sachem Food Services serves an average of about 7,800 meals per day. What many people don’t realize is that unlike most departments, Sachem Food Services does not receive operating moneys from the General Fund. The operation of SFS is very similar to that of a business, with one exception. SFS must comply with very strict rules and regulations set forth by the state and federal governments.
Our state and federal governments provide reimbursement revenues to SFS for every complete school meal served. The amount of this reimbursement depends on the student receiving the meals. If the student’s family income meets the government’s guidelines, they are given the privilege of receiving a free or reduced price meal. There are three separate eligibility levels; free, reduced, and paid. The following numbers are an example of what a student would pay for a school meal.
School Meal Prices: |
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REDUCED PRICE BREAKFAST: $.25
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FULL PRICE BREAKFAST: $1.00
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REDUCED PRICE LUNCH: $.25
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FULL PRICE LUNCH:
Elementary: $1.70 Secondary: $1.85 |
While free will always mean free, the price for reduced price and full price meals are set by the district (within certain limitations). The reimbursement from the government for each level of free, reduced or full price meal differs. Sachem Food Services receives more reimbursement money from the government for meals served to students with a free eligibility, and less for reduced. This is to assist in covering the various costs of serving a meal. As you can see, the serving of school meals is highly regulated by our state and federal governments.
As mentioned above, SFS is reimbursed for every meal sold. It is this reimbursement revenue and revenue from paid lunches that SFS depends upon for operational expenses. The amount of this reimbursement depends on the eligibility status of the student who received the school lunch. SFS receives a higher reimbursement for serving free students for obvious reasons. In addition, the reimbursement for reduced price meals is larger than full-priced meals. This is why SFS is subject to audits and must adhere to the rules and regulations set by agencies like the USDA. It is very important for SFS to maintain extremely accurate records regarding WHO ate and WHAT that student’s eligibility was (free, reduced, or paid).
In addition to the individual tracking of meals sold, compliance also means providing a complete meal. The USDA mandates that a student who receives a reimbursable school lunch MUST pick up three to five of the food group components. Most lunch lines contain three or more food components, which include meat, dairy, vegetable, fruit, and grains- the grains offered are whole when possible.. While a sandwich, apple, and milk would qualify, just an apple and milk would not, since this is not a complete meal. All meals must be planned to meet the USDA Dietary Guidelines. We serve all whole wheat products for most bread items this increases the fiber in a child's diet and is part of a healthier lifestyle. Each day we offer 1% low fat flavored milk; chocolate and strawberry, along with lowfat white and skim milk.
You can now see why it’s very important to track the who and what portion of serving school meals.
Click here to download the Free and Reduced Breakfast and Lunch form.
Your frequently asked questions answered here!
When offering foods like nachos with cheese sauce, chicken nuggets and hot dogs, can school meals really be healthy? One of the hardest jobs the food service department has is to match students’ tastes with the Dietary Guidelines for Healthy Americans. But, that is exactly what we do. When planning our menus, we use computerized nutritional analysis to make sure we are meeting USDA’s goals for key nutrients including calories, fat, saturated fat, iron, protein, calcium, and vitamins A & C. We also track sodium, fiber, carbohydrates and cholesterol. To meet these nutrient goals, we start with the foods our students like best and then use purchasing and preparation practices to ensure that even typically high-fat foods are healthful.
Can children get breakfast at school? A variety of breakfast choices are available at every school in the district. Students eligible for free or reduced priced lunches are also eligible to receive breakfast at the same approved rate.
Is pork used in any of the food preparation? We are sensitive that many of our customers cannot eat pork products. If your child’s diet does not include pork, you’ll want to know that our ham, hot dogs, and bologna are all made with turkey or beef exclusively. Pork is used in our Italian hoagies (salami), bbq rib sandwiches, pork barbeque, and pepperoni. On occasion, pork may be used in tacos and meatballs. Use of pork in these items will be posted in your school cafeteria. These items should be avoided.
Can the school district accommodate students with special dietary needs? The food service program is able to make menu modifications to accommodate students with food allergies and intolerances or a medically prescribed diet. Further, the food service office can provide nutrient analysis of all planned menu items upon request. Please contact the Food Service Director at 471-1353 to make the necessary arrangements.
Why can’t one check be written for multiple children in the same family? In addition to the computerized record of your children’s deposits, the cafeterias keep a written record of each child’s deposits on the deposit envelope that is used to transfer deposits from the classroom to the cafeteria. The written records on these envelopes are often used to resolve issues that may arise concerning the receipt of a deposit. When a check is sent in one child’s deposit envelope to be split between accounts, the amount recorded on the deposit envelope will not match the computerized record. Further, the cafeteria manager processes many deposits each Monday morning. A note to split a deposit between accounts is easily overlooked and has often required account adjustments when the oversight is discovered. To ensure deposit accuracy, and to be able to resolve problems when they do arise, we require that one check be written for each account.
How can I receive help paying for school meals? An application for free and reduced priced meals is included in this mailer. Complete and submit an application according to the directions attached. You will receive notice from the district that your application has been received and either approved or denied. A family of 4 with an annual income of $39,220 or less will be eligible for some assistance. More detailed eligibility information is included with the application packet. Applications can be submitted at any time through the school year. If financial circumstances change through the year, contact your child’s school to request an application. A new application is required each school year. Students who were eligible for assistance in 2007-08 remain eligible for the program through September 30 to allow families time to submit a new application. New applications must be on file and approved by September 30 or benefits will be stopped.
Where can I get more information about the district’s food service program? You may call us with questions or concerns at 471-1353.