SCHOOL MEAL SERVICES IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
According to the Food Action and Research Center, studies show that students who participate in school meal programs tend to consume more milk, vegetables, and fruits, and they have a higher intake of certain crucial nutrients like fiber and calcium.
Students struggling with hunger are more likely to display signs of emotional, mental, and behavior problems. They are also more likely to earn lower grades and repeat grades than other non-hungry students. Children that are fed at school have better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better overall test scores. (FRAC Article)
In the San Antonio area and throughout Texas, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) feeding program, also known as SquareMeals, administers the USDA National School Lunch, National School Breakfast, After-School, and Dinner Programs. San Antonio school districts, through their Child Nutrition Departments, follow national guidelines and often create their own innovative and appealing recipes that students love. School districts receive reimbursements for qualifying meal participants from the USDA and through the TDA. The agencies provide nutritional guidelines, professional development, and food safety training. After the traditional school year is over, the Texas Dept. of Agriculture ensures that children continue to be fed during the summer months through the Summer Feeding Program at many San Antonio area schools and sites like the San Antonio Area Food Bank.
School breakfast and lunch programs are some of the most valuable services provided by our San Antonio public schools. By serving healthy school lunches and breakfast to every student, every day, our children are better prepared to learn, focus, and succeed.
Whether you go to Lee High School, MacArthur High School, Fort Sam Houston Elementary School, or any San Antonio public school, you will find a wide array of lunch menus. Examples of a typical San Antonio free school lunch menu include:
Sample San Antonio School Lunch Menu (NEISD High Schools)
Sample San Antonio elementary school lunch menu (Fort Sam Houston Elementary School)
San Antonio free or reduced lunch and Child Nutrition Income Eligibility Guidelines
NUTRITION AND HEALTH NEWS
Honoring Our Public School Lunch Heroes
Honoring Our Public School Lunch Heroes Public school nutrition and cafeteria staff provide essential services to our students every day. On School Lunch Hero Day,
Local Cy-Fair Business Provides Pizza for School Lunch Program
Local Cy-Fair Business Supports National School Lunch Program Cypress-Fairbanks ISD is fortunate to have a local business meeting the pizza needs of the district. Alpha
Summer Meal Programs Continue in Public Schools
Children need healthy meals to grow and learn. Summertime is no exception! The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Summer Meal Programs ensure that all children 18
