As part of the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act the USDA has issued new meal requirements for the 2012-13 school year.  These requirements will result in some changes to meals at school.  Below is a brief overview of the changes students can expect this fall.  Please note the below regulations apply to meals purchased at school.

Increase In Fruits and Vegetables

We will offer a large variety of nutrient-dense vegetables, including dark green, orange, starchy vegetables and legumes. Students will now be required to take 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable for their meal to be considered a full meal.  Colorful fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals important for growth and development during childhood.

Grains and Proteins

Menus will offer specific amounts of whole grains and proteins to comply with requirements and provide age-appropriate, nutritionally-adequate meals.  The majority of the grains will be derived from whole grain sources (we already offered whole grains on menus such as whole grain bread, whole grain pizza crust, rice, pastas, etc., so this will be a minor transition). 

Lower Sodium

We have switched to a few lower sodium products already and will continue to work with food manufacturers to lower sodium in products.  Additionally, our recipes will be modified to use non-salt seasonings and fresh ingredients where applicable.

Reduced Fats

Unhealthy fats such as saturated and trans fat can lead to heart disease and high cholesterol, as well as other chronic diseases.  Regulations require us to be under established limits as well as serving products that contain zero grams of trans fat per serving.

Menus by Age Groups

New grade groups for menu planning will be aimed at ensuring students receive age-appropriate portions and nutrients.  Elementary, Middle and High School students have different calorie needs so serving sizes of entrees will reflect these needs.

Meal Price Increase for 2012-2013

New regulations require that we increase meal prices until we match rates of federal reimbursement.

2012/13 Meal Prices

$1.90 Elementary Lunch                       $0.35 Elementary Breakfast

$2.10 Middle School                              $0.85 Middle School Breakfast

$2.10 High School Lunch                       $1.00 High School Breakfast

$2.60 Adult/ Non-Reimbursable Lunch  $1.65 Adult breakfast                        

*Those qualifying for free/reduced lunch receive lunch and breakfast at no cost. 

Any student who refuses to take the required fruit or vegetable will be charged the non-reimbursable/adult meal price of $2.60 (instead of regular student meal price).  The additional cost covers the difference in federal reimbursement the district would have received if they had taken a reimbursable meal.

We are dedicated to providing quality nutritious meals that students will enjoy and choose to eat. We hope you will encourage your students to try new fruits and vegetables. Feel free to join us for a meal at school to see the changes for yourself. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Susan Lang 715-726-2790 or Diane Rasmussen 715-726-2406 ext 1151.

Lunch Accounts

The Chippewa Falls School District maintains a computerized lunch accounting system.  Each student is given a lunch number to enter when meals are purchased.  The amount of the purchase is subtracted from a family account on a daily basis.  All members of a family use the same account, but each member has a unique lunch number.  The system is a pre-paid system; money must be deposited into the account prior to the purchase of meals.

Payment can be made several different ways.

Money may be deposited to your account by:

• Mailing payment to the district office at 1130 Miles St.
• Dropping off payment at the district office; a secure night box is available after hours
• Sending payment to school with students; elementary students may give payment to teacher or school secretary; middle and high school students can bring payment to the office or pay in the cafeteria during lunch
• New this year, you can make payments online.  Click here to go to the e~Funds for Schools web site where online payments may be made.  The first time you go to the e~Funds web site, you will have to select the "Register Here" link for new users.

Please include your family ID/Account number and your student's full name with payment.  We discourage sending cash to school with your student.

Account Balances

You may check you account activity and balance online or by contacting CIndy Meyer at 726-2400 ext. 1802.  Students can also check balances when purchasing meals.

An automated dialing system is also used to alert families when account balances are low.

If a student's account does not have adequate funds to purchase a meal an alternative lunch consisting of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a carton of milk will be provided.  No ala carte purchases will be allowed at the high school if adequate funds are not available (cash payment is accepted).