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A FOCUS ON NUTRITION
As part of the National Breakfast Program and School Lunch Program, NHJ offers healthy, nutritious meals to all students each day.
SEPTEMBER MENUS
Elementary and Intermediate School Breakfast
Middle and High School Breakfast
Elementary and Intermediate Lunch
USDA Program to Provide Free Meals for All Students in 2021-2022
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved all schools to offer one free lunch and one free breakfast to all students regardless of income.
OUR MISSION
To provide nutritious meals at an affordable cost to all students.
To provide healthy options children will both eat and enjoy.
To provide a variety of different foods from the five food groups.
Understanding the Lunch Line: A Parent's Guide
Each day; your child is offered a lunch containing the following:
Meat or Meat Alternate
Grain
Fruit, Vegetable
and of course
Milk!
While the most nutritious lunch contains all of these options, we understand that sometimes our students do not like some of the items we serve. To make our student customers happy, we like to give them the option to decline items they do not want to eat.
Out of the 5 food groups your student is offered, he must choose at least 3 food groups for his meal. One of the food groups must be a fruit or vegetable. Some of the menu choices may count as two food groups such as pizza, nachos, cheeseburger or chef salad.
Example Menu
Cheeseburger on a Bun
1/2 cup Carrots
1/2 cup French Fries
1/2 cup Peaches
8 ounces of Milk
So, your child could choose:
Cheeseburger on a Bun and Fries
Carrots, Peaches and Milk
Cheeseburger on Bun, Peaches and Milk
Of course, they can take other combinations or all 5 food groups. The choice is up to them. If your child comes home and says she didn't get enough to eat at lunch, ask if she is taking all of her fruit and vegetable choices.
Don't Forget About Breakfast
Join us each morning, breakfast is a great way to kick off your child's day!
Breakfast choices are a little different. Students must take at least 3 of the offered items ·at breakfast, one must be a fruit or vegetable.
2021-2022 School Year
MEAL PRICES
If your student gets a second meal, breakfast or lunch, after receiving a free breakfast or lunch the following charges will be applied to their account:
Elementary School
Intermediate School
Middle School
High School
Other
Extra Milk $0.45
Entree $2.20
Other items are also available for purchase
BREAKFAST PROGRAM
Research has shown that starting the day with a nutritious breakfast helps students stay alert and perform better in school. Breakfast is offered each morning to all students at all schools at the beginning of the school day. Students may get breakfast as soon as they arrive at school.
MEAL PAYMENT
Cafeteria account payments must be made in advance and may be made in several ways.
Cash or check payments made out to "NHJ Schools" may be sent with students to school in an envelope marked with the student’s name and amount enclosed. ICES and ICIS students give payments to their teacher. ICMS and ICHS students should drop cafeteria payments into the drop box located in the school’s main office first thing in the morning.
Students should not make payments in the cafeteria during serving times.
Parents may also make credit card payments or payments from their bank account through your Infinite Campus Parent portal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FOOD SERVICE
How do I apply for textbook rental assistance for my children?
The meal application is also the textbook rental application. All students will receive free meals his year, but families must complete a meal/textbook rental assistance application to see if they qualify for TBR assistance. They must be approved for TBR assistance to qualify for P-EBT payments as well.
Meal and Textbook Rental Assistance Instructions
Meal and Textbook Rental Assistance Application
What are the policies regarding negative school meal balances on my account?
What type of food is offered to my child?
How do I notify the school if my child has a food allergy?
Where do I find information about my child's rights regarding food service?
How can I apply for a Food Service position?
FAMILY NUTRITION NEWSLETTERS
Enjoy the newsletters below specifically designed for parents and their students. Nutrition Nuggets is developed for grades K-5 and Teen Food & Fitness is developed for Grades 6-12. Inside each newsletter are fun tips, ideas and useful information about healthy eating and exercise for you and your student.
FOOD BYTES
Check the Nutrition Facts label to limit sodium. Salt is added to many canned foods including soups, vegetables, beans and meats.
- Many processed meats such as ham, sausage and hot dogs are high in sodium. Look for low or no sodium canned food and processed meats.
- We all need protein but most Americans eat enough, and some eat more than they need. How much is enough? Most people, ages 9 and older, should eat 5 to 7 ounces of protein each day. 1 ounce of meat, poultry or seafood, 1 egg, 1/4 cup cooked beans or peas, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, or 1/2 ounce of nuts or seeds counts as an ounce of protein food.
- Tips to add more vegetables to your day: Frozen vegetables are quick and easy to use and are just as nutritious as fresh veggies. Cook fresh or frozen vegetables in the microwave for a quick and easy dish to add to any meal.
- Cut up a batch of bell peppers, cauliflower, or broccoli. Pre-package them to use when time is limited. Enjoy them in a casserole, stir-fry, or as a snack with hummus.
- Planning meals ahead of time can help you stick to a healthy eating style. Outline meals you plan to eat for the week and use it as a guide to buy the ingredients you will need. Be sure to list beverages and snacks, too.
- Planning meals by the week will save you time and energy. List ingredients for meals you plan to make and check to see what you will need to buy at the grocery store. Knowing you have all the ingredients you need makes preparing a meal so much easier.
- Love your leftovers. Prepare enough of a dish to eat multiple times during the week or freeze to eat later. Making leftovers part of your plan can save time and money.
