2.902 National School Lunch Program
Policy Statement:
Lakeway Christian Schools (LCS) participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) to support the nutritional well-being of our students and ensure access to healthy and balanced meals during the school day. This NSLP policy outlines the principles and procedures governing the administration and operation of the program within LCS.
Objective:
To ensure that Lakeway Christian Schools (LCS) comprehensively, ethically, and systematically participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), providing nutritious meals to all students, with special attention to those eligible for free or reduced-price meals, in compliance with federal and state regulations.
Scope:
This policy encompasses the management, implementation, compliance, and monitoring of the NSLP within LCS.
Commitment to Nutritional Standards:
Ongoing professional development regarding the NSLP rules, nutritional standards, and ethical considerations will be provided to all relevant staff members.
Compliance and Accountability:
Inclusivity and Special Dietary Needs:
Meals shall be made available to all students, with accommodations made for those with special dietary needs upon receipt of a medical statement from a recognized medical authority.
Community Engagement:
LCS will seek ongoing input and involvement from parents, students, and other community members in the development, review, and implementation of the NSLP policy and menus.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
This policy will be periodically reviewed and amended to ensure that it continually aligns with federal and state regulations, as well as the needs and wellbeing of the school community.
Lakeway Christian Schools (LCS) participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) to support the nutritional well-being of our students and ensure access to healthy and balanced meals during the school day. This NSLP policy outlines the principles and procedures governing the administration and operation of the program within LCS.
Objective:
To ensure that Lakeway Christian Schools (LCS) comprehensively, ethically, and systematically participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), providing nutritious meals to all students, with special attention to those eligible for free or reduced-price meals, in compliance with federal and state regulations.
Scope:
This policy encompasses the management, implementation, compliance, and monitoring of the NSLP within LCS.
Commitment to Nutritional Standards:
- Adherence to Guidelines: LCS shall adhere to USDA guidelines concerning meal pattern requirements, nutritional standards, and portion sizes.
- Menu Planning: The school nutrition team will develop menus considering nutritional quality, variety, and student preferences.
- Accessibility and Awareness:
- Information about free and reduced-price meals, including eligibility criteria, shall be accessible to parents/guardians and widely promoted across school communication channels.
- Application Process:
- Applications for free and reduced-price meals shall be available in multiple languages, online and in physical format.
- Assistance will be available to help families understand and navigate the application process.
- Confidentiality:
- All information provided by families during the application process shall remain confidential and will be used solely for determining eligibility.
- Consistency in Service:
- Students eligible for reduced-price or free meals will always receive meals irrespective of meal account status.
- Negative Balance Management:
- In instances where paid or reduced-price meal accounts have negative balances, communications about the debt will be directed to parents/guardians, not the student.
Ongoing professional development regarding the NSLP rules, nutritional standards, and ethical considerations will be provided to all relevant staff members.
Compliance and Accountability:
- LCS shall adhere to federal and state NSLP requirements and participate in all applicable reviews and audits.
- An annual review of the NSLP policy and its implementation will be conducted to ensure continual compliance and improvement.
Inclusivity and Special Dietary Needs:
Meals shall be made available to all students, with accommodations made for those with special dietary needs upon receipt of a medical statement from a recognized medical authority.
Community Engagement:
LCS will seek ongoing input and involvement from parents, students, and other community members in the development, review, and implementation of the NSLP policy and menus.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- LCS will consistently monitor the implementation of this policy, ensuring alignment with the nutritional, educational, and physical needs of students.
- Evaluation results and updates about the NSLP will be communicated to the school community annually.
This policy will be periodically reviewed and amended to ensure that it continually aligns with federal and state regulations, as well as the needs and wellbeing of the school community.