Menus
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act has made many changes to the Chippewa Falls School District's lunch program. In the spring of 2017, the District was certified to be in compliance with the meal pattern regulations. This means that the District's menus meet the requirements for calories, fat, saturated fat, and are trans fat free. It also ensures that the menus provide a balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
Here are some of the specific changes that have been made to the lunch program as a result of federal regulations:
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The amount of fruits and vegetables served has increased.
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The amount of whole grains served has increased.
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The amount of sodium served has decreased.
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The amount of unhealthy fats served has decreased.
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The amount of sugar served has decreased.
These changes have been made to make the lunch program healthier for students. The District hopes that these changes will help students make healthier choices and improve their overall health.
Buying Local
The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District (CFAUSD) tries to buy many local products to use in their menus. They have a partnership with a foodservice distributor that supplies them with local produce such as apples, watermelon, green peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and many more. They also buy many other menu items from companies located in Wisconsin. Some of these include Jennie-O turkey, Brakebush chicken, and Best Maid cookies.
Buying local products supports the local economy and helps to keep food fresh. The CFAUSD is committed to providing students with healthy and nutritious meals, and buying local products is one way they do that.
Meal Requirements
The USDA requires that all school lunches and breakfasts meet certain nutritional standards. This is part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.
For lunch, students must choose a 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable. They must also choose at least 3 of the 5 meal components: meat/protein, bread/grain, fruit, vegetable, and milk. Each meal component must be a minimum size as specified by the USDA.
For breakfast, students must also choose 3 meal components with 1/2 cup fruit.
Per the USDA, if a student refuses to take the required fruit/vegetable or adequate components, they will be charged a la carte pricing for each item on their tray.
Meal Prices
Regulations require that we increase meal prices yearly until we match rates of federal reimbursement.
$2.25 Elementary Lunch |
$.35 Elementary Breakfast |
$2.50 HS/MS Lunch |
$.85 MS Breakfast |
$.35 Milk Only |
$1.00 HS Breakfast |
$4.00 Adult 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 a la carte price for each item on their tray (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 Melissa Panchyshyn 715-726-2406 ext 1151.
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