The Board recognizes that school meal programs help students develop good eating habits and understand and appreciate the kinds of food necessary to maintain good health. Children who eat nutritious meals and snacks are more likely to be healthy, perform better academically, and exhibit fewer behavioral challenges. School meal programs are a critical tool in closing opportunity gaps and in the fight against childhood hunger. In addition, meal times provide social interaction and a break from instruction that is important for the social-emotional health of students.

The Board further recognizes that, for many students, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) sponsors Free and Reduced Priced School Meals (FRPSM) and nutritional opportunities not available elsewhere. The district will take steps to assure that families and students are aware of the NSLP program and that eligible families are encouraged and supported to apply. The district will aim to increase participation in its food service programs by students who are eligible and not eligible for FRPSM.

In order to invite greater participation, each school located in a district building shall participate in National School Lunch programs. District food service will include a variety of nutritious, appealing meals served in a safe, clean and hospitable environment. The food service menu will be developed and presented in a way that affirms and welcomes the cultural diversity of the district’s student population. The Board encourages the use of high quality, organically and locally grown food and the exploration of innovative service models and business strategies, including Breakfast After the Bell and after-school meal options that increase student participation and satisfaction while maintaining the financial viability of the program. Meal periods will be long enough for students to eat and socialize. A minimum of 10 minutes will be provided to eat breakfast and 20 minutes to eat lunch, with additional time as needed for standing in line. Lunches will have sufficient passing time on one side or the other to allow students to get to or from the cafeteria. School leaders and food service staff shall place a high priority on reducing cafeteria line times to no more than 5 minutes for students. Schools will not require students to eat in silence, nor will the time allotted to eat lunch at school be revoked or curtailed for discipline or academic reasons. Meal times will be scheduled so that dining areas have the capacity to seat all students who wish to eat there comfortably.

The Board encourages structured social activities like clubs or support organizations during meal times so long as these activities do not interfere or compete with students’ access to meal service.

The district will engage with students and school and community partners to receive regular feedback on the food service program.

The Superintendent is authorized to develop procedures to implement this policy.