Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the nutrition information for the menu?
Nutrition information can be found by clicking the Nutrients link next to each menu at http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/nutrition/menus.
What is high-fructose corn syrup and is there a health concern related to it?
High-fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener that is made by converting the sugar in cornstarch into fructose, another form of sugar. It is used in products because it is inexpensive and extends the shelf-life of foods. Research on its health effects is still ongoing, but it is best to treat it as you would sugar, consuming it in moderation. Sweeteners are high in calories and low in nutrients. Our nutrient guidelines for meals, snacks, and beverages ensure that levels of high-fructose corn syrup are kept in moderation.
What is trans fat (hydrogenated fat) and what are the health concerns?
Trans fats are created by an industrial process that turns liquid vegetable oils into a more solid form. This process is achieved by adding hydrogen to the liquid oils, which is where the name ‘partially hydrogenated oil’ originates. There are also foods that naturally contain small amounts of trans fat. The health concern with trans fat is its ability to negatively affect cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. It is also associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Our District Wellness Policy, which is in compliance with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, recommends keeping trans fat levels as low as possible in foods served. We are making strides to serve meals and snacks with little or no trans fat. Many of our vendors have reduced or eliminated hydrogenated fats in their products, and we switch to new products as they become available at a cost reasonable for our program.
Why are only lowfat and non-fat milk served?
Lowfat and non-fat milk are the only milk choices served because they are recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Whole milk and 2% reduced fat milk are very high in fat, a large portion of which is saturated fat. The guidelines used for school menu planning state that saturated fat levels in school meals cannot exceed 10% of total calories. Providing lowfat and non-fat milk allows us to stay in compliance with these guidelines.
Does the milk in the school meal program have growth hormones or antibiotics in it?
Our milk is from Velda Farms, which is produced without any artificial growth hormones.
Why are whole grains more nutritious than white or refined grains?
Whole grains still contain the two outer layers of the grain, the bran and germ layer. These layers contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber. When a grain is processed to make products such as white bread, those two outer layers are removed. We use whole grain products frequently on our menus, and are continually incorporating more items as they become available.
Are the lunch trays and food packaging recycled?
Yes. We participate in the District’s extensive recycling program. Many of our items, including metal cans, foam trays, cardboard boxes, aluminum cans, and plastic beverage bottles are recycled. More recycling information can be found at: http://recycle.pasco.k12.fl.us/.
Are vegetarian options available for school lunch?
Yes. We try to offer a vegetarian entrée option each day. Menus are available at: http://www.pasco.k12.fl.us/nutrition/menus/.
How can I get a list of ingredients for the menu items?
If your child has special diet needs related to specific food ingredients, a Medical Statement or Special Meals Request can be submitted to your school. They are available from our website by clicking the Nutrition Information tab, then going to the Special Dietary Needs/Food Allergies page.
What drinks are offered in the cafeteria and vending machines and what guidelines do they have to meet?
The drinks available to students follow the American Beverage Association and Alliance for a Healthier Generation Guidelines. These guidelines ensure that nutritious and age-appropriate beverages are offered in schools. More information is available on our snack and beverage program by clicking here.
Why are there two different lunch prices for secondary students? Instead of increasing our flat rate for lunches, we decided to adopt a two-tiered pricing strategy to keep lunch affordable for all families. The more expensive entrees are advertised in the $3.00 alternative combo categories, and the less expensive entrees are in the $2.50 classic combo category. This allows us to continue offering a variety of healthy meals, but gives students the opportunity to choose a meal within their budget. Since we are always striving to provide the best nutrition for students, we offer whole grains items, items with no trans fat, and low fat choices. These products are often more expensive, but by using the two-tiered pricing system, we have the ability to offer these products. You may see that your child is charged $2.50 for pizza one day, and on another day they are charged $3.00 for a different type of pizza. This is because based on its average cost of production, it is appropriately placed on either the $3.00 alternate combo menu or the $2.50 classic combo menu. You may view the different price categories by looking over our secondary menus available by clicking on the menus box.
What kind of restrictions can I put on my child’s account?
By contacting your school cafeteria manager, you can put several restrictions on your child’s account. They include: “no al a carte”, “cash for snacks” meaning money on the account cannot be used to purchase snacks, and “limit $2.50 day” which will only allow the child to choose from the $2.50 classic combo menu. If you have a different restriction you would like to place on the account, contact your school cafeteria manager.
What happens if my child forgets their lunch money?
Food and Nutrition instituted a grace period as a courtesy for all students when they forget their lunch money. This allows students to charge a lunch to their meal account. We allow all elementary students to charge up to $10.00, and secondary students can charge up to $3.00 on their account before we provide them with an alternate meal. This allows students to obtain a regular school lunch for the day, but they are responsible for repaying the charged lunches. You can learn more about this service by visiting our website at www.pasco.k12.fl.us/nutrition/programs/alternate_meals/. When an alternate meal must be provided because the student has reached their charge limit, students are provided a cheese sandwich, and may still select two different fruit and vegetable sides, and a milk choice.
Plus, we offer a service called mylunchmoney.com that allows parents to apply money on their child’s account eliminating the need for the student to bring lunch money to school. This service also allows you to view what your child selects for lunch each day.
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Current meal prices
Reduced Price Breakfast: $0.30
Reduced Price Lunch: $0.40
Full Price Breakfast
Elementary: $1.25
Secondary: $1.40
Full Price Lunch
Elementary: $2.00
Secondary Classic: $2.50
Secondary Alternative: $3.00
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
