Policy: 6700
Administration
Nutrition
The board recognizes that a healthy school environment prepares students for college, careers, and successful futures. Students who eat well-balanced meals are more likely to learn in the classroom. The board supports the district’s increased emphasis on nutrition at all grade levels to enhance the well-being of the district’s students. Therefore, it is the policy of the board to provide students with access to nutritious food as stated in this policy and the accompanying procedure.
Nutrition and Food Services Program
The board supports the philosophy of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program and will provide wholesome and nutritious meals for children in the District’s schools. The board authorizes the superintendent to administer the food services program, provided that any decision to enter into a contract with a food service management company will require the approval of the board. Expenditures for food supplies shall not exceed the estimated revenues.
The superintendent or designee is responsible for:
- Annually distributing meal applications and determining eligibility for school meals;
- Protecting the identity of students eligible for free and reduced-price meals;
- Ensuring meals meet USDA meal pattern requirements;
- Ensuring meal periods are in compliance with USDA regulations;
- Establishing a Food Safety Plan;
- Determining meal prices annually and submitting them to the board for approval annually;
- Using the full entitlement of USDA Foods;
- Maintaining a nonprofit school food service account;
- Ensuring all revenues are used solely for the school meal program;
- Establishing a meal charge policy;
- Accommodating children with special dietary needs;
- Ensuring compliance with USDA nondiscrimination policies;
- Following proper procurement procedures; and
- Ensuring compliance with the Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards.
Federal Programs
Participation in various federal programs related to nutrition, including the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards, require a wellness policy. The district will address and follow its comprehensive wellness policy in accordance with 6702 - Wellness.
Cross References:
3210 - Nondiscrimination
Legal References:
RCW 28A.210.365 Food choice, physical activity, childhood fitness — Minimum standards — District waiver or exemption policy.
RCW 28A.235.120 Meal Programs — Establishment and Operation — Personnel — Agreements
RCW 28A.235.130 Milk for children at school expense
RCW 28A.235.140 School breakfast programs
RCW 28A. 235.145 School breakfast and lunch programs –Use of state funds
RCW 28A. 235.150 School breakfast and lunch programs – Grants to increase participation – Increased state support
RCW 28A.235.160 Requirements to implement school breakfast, lunch and summer food service programs – Exemptions
RCW 28A.235.170 Washington grown fresh fruit and vegetable grant program
RCW 28A.623.020 Nonprofit program for elderly — Authorized— Restrictions
RCW 28A.235.260 Free or reduced-price meals — Students
RCW 28A.235.270 Free or reduced-price meals — Schools
RCW 28A.235.280 Free school meals — Systems to identify students.
RCW 69.04 Intrastate Commerce in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics
RCW 69.06.010 Food and beverage service worker’s permit — Filing, duration — Minimum training requirements
RCW 69.06.020 Permit exclusive and valid throughout state — Fee
RCW 69.06.030 Diseased persons — May not work — Employer may not hire
RCW 69.06.050 Permit to be secured within fourteen days from time of employment.
RCW 69.06.070 Limited duty permit
WAC 392-157-125 Time for meals
2 CFR Part 200 - Procurement
7 CFR, Parts 210 and 220
7 CFR, Part 245.5
Adopted 9/2012
Revised 11/2015, 8/2017, 11/2023, 5/2024 (Divided into policies 6700, 6701, 6702, & 2124)