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Nutrition News

Introducing Tray Talk - A School Nutrition Resource for Parents

Food and Nutrition Services is a member of the national School Nutrition Association.  The School Nutrition Association and its members know that parents are critical partners in teaching children to make nutritious food choices at school. Learn how you can get involved and support healthy school meals. 

Posted by Emily Mark on 01/30 at 04:02 PM
Site • Nutrition • Permalink

Students Eat Farm Fresh Kumquats and Strawberries

“What is that and how do I eat it?” was the question asked by almost 600 Wesley Chapel Elementary students as they were greeted in the school cafeteria with a Farmer’s Market displaying baskets full of kumquats, strawberries, apples, blood oranges, bok Choy, beets, and other fresh fruits and vegetables. 

The Food and Nutrition Services Department for Pasco County Schools partnered with Fresh Point Produce and the Kumquat Growers of Dade City to offer students a taste of locally grown Dade City Kumquats and Plant City Strawberries as part of the district’s Farm 2 School Program. The food service staffed dressed as farmers and handed each student a sample cup containing a fresh kumquat and strawberry. 

The students’ facial expressions were priceless as they bit into their first kumquat.  Many didn’t realize they could eat the skin, so to help reduce the fear of the unknown, food service employees challenged the students to a “let’s do it together” race.  Students chanted “Just keep chewing, just keep chewing” as they experienced the inside out sweet and sour taste of fresh kumquats.

Students loved the bright red and juicy sweet strawberries, and many enjoyed the unique sweet and sour taste of the fresh kumquats. 

In February, the Food and Nutrition Services Department will feature fresh Plant City Strawberries on school menus in all Pasco County schools.

Posted by Emily Mark on 01/25 at 04:21 PM
Site • Nutrition • Permalink

Student Art Needed

Effective 2012, the Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness in Tallahassee at the Florida Department of Agriculture is now administering Child Nutrition Programs for the state of Florida.

They were formally called the Division of Food and Nutrition Management and were under the Florida Department of Education.  They are now in their new offices and would love to have student artwork featuring fruits, vegetables, and a fresh produce message to decorate their blank walls.  

All students are invited to submit a poster or photograph to decorate the walls of the Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness in Tallahassee with a fruit and vegetable message. Examples could be: students working in a school garden, eating their favorite fruit or vegetable, or farm to school efforts. Be creative!

Photographs and posters must be a standard size of 11x15 up to 17x21. Use crayons, paint, markers, colored pencil, chalk, watercolor, etc. Please include the school’s name and grade level (if applicable).  Artwork is due Wednesday, February 29, 2012. Posters and photographs can besent to: 

Katie Rainka, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Coordinator

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness

600 S. Calhoun St., Suite 120

Tallahassee, FL 32399

Posted by Emily Mark on 01/10 at 11:10 AM
Site • Nutrition • Permalink

Let’s Grow Healthy - National School Lunch Week Oct 10 - 14th

Food and Nutrition Services is hosting “School Lunch – Let’s Grow Healthy” a campaign to help students understand where their food comes from and to get excited about healthy school lunch choices.  

This October is the first annual National Farm to School Month, and Food and Nutrition Services is working to expand its Farm 2 School Program that provides students more opportunities to try fresh fruits and vegetables grown "Fresh from Florida."  On Thursday, elementary students will get an opportunity to try green beans, grown locally by Blue Ribbon Farms.  "We are hoping to highlight locally grown broccoli and kumquats in the upcoming months,” stated Stephanie Packrall, the Department’s Nutrition Specialist.

In addition, many schools are also participating in the national Take Your Parent to Lunch Day, inviting parents to join their child to see all of the healthy fresh fruits and vegetables offered to students daily throughout Pasco County.  If parents are interested in joining their child for lunch, please check with your child's school to see if the school is participating.  Many elementary schools may not be participating because of seating limitations in the cafeteria, but always welcomes parents to join their child for lunch throughout the year. 

Each day during the special week, elementary students will learn more about fruits and vegetables, complete themed-activity sheets, and enter to win a prize featuring the “Everything Kids Cookbook” and gardening tools.

For more information about healthy school meals, visit www.TrayTalk.org.

Posted by Emily Mark on 10/10 at 02:03 PM
Site • Nutrition • Permalink

Free and Reduced Price Meal Applications Now Available

Land O’ Lakes—The District School Board of Pasco County’s policy for free and reduced-priced meals and meal prices was approved for the 2011-2012 school year.  Under the National School Lunch Act, families who are below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines may qualify for free or reduced-priced meal benefits.  Families MUST complete a new Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application for the upcoming school year. 

Families can apply online by visiting the Food and Nutrition Services Department website at www.pasco.k12.fl.us/nutrition/free_reduced; or applications will be available on August 1, 2011 from any Pasco County school cafeteria or administration office, at student orientation, and throughout the school year.  A new family application MUST be submitted at the start of each new school year. 

Last year’s meal eligibility status will expire after the first ten days of school on September 1, 2011.  Any student who received free or reduced-price meal benefits in the 2010-2011 school year, and has not submitted a new application and has not been approved by the expiration date by the Food and Nutrition Services Department, will be required to pay full price for all meals.  Until a new 2011-2012 Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application is received and approved, parents must provide their child(ren) with money to pay for their child(ren)’s meals at the regular listed price or, parents can send a lunch from home for their child(ren).  This includes applications based on Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Foster Child(ren).

Households that receive Food Stamps or TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) are required to list only the child or children’s names, Food Stamp / TANF case number, and have a signature of an adult household member on the application.

Household size and income criteria will be used to determine eligibility.  Foster children may receive benefits based on the child’s personal income regardless of the income of the household.  Households with children who are considered migrants, homeless, or runaways should contact the District liaison at (813) 794-0608 for more information.

For the purpose of determining household size, deployed service members are considered a part of the household. Families should include the names of the deployed service members on their application.  Report only that portion of the deployed service member’s income made available to them on their behalf to the family.  Additionally, a housing allowance that is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative is not to be included as income.

All other households must provide total household income prior to taxes, social security, health benefits, union dues, and any other deductions, listed by amount received, type of income and how often the income is received.  Names of all household members must be listed.  A signature and social security number (or mark the word “NONE” in the appropriate box) of an adult household member must be on the application to verify the information provided is correct.

Your eligibility may be checked at any time during the school year.  School officials may ask you to send records proving that your child should receive free or reduced-price meal.

All applications are reviewed and processed by the Food and Nutrition Services Department.  An application must contain complete eligibility information. Once the application is approved, a notification letter is sent to the family.  The approval for meal benefits is good for an entire school year; i.e., a status of free, reduced-price, or denied (full payment required).  Unless indicated otherwise on the application, the information on the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application may be used by the school system in determining eligibility for other educational programs.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size changes, the District Office should be contacted.  Parents or guardians who become unemployed should also contact the District Office.  Such changes may make the student eligible for free or reduced-price meals if the household income falls at or below the levels shown in the chart.

If you have any questions regarding the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application or the school food program, please contact Determining Official, Nicole Westmoreland at (813) 794-2438 or email nwestmor@pasco.k12.fl.us.  If you do not agree with the final decision made on the eligibility status of your Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application, you have the right to appeal.  To appeal, you must contact Richard P. Kurtz, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at (813) 794-2439 or 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd, Land O’ Lakes, Florida 34638.

“In accordance with Federal law and the U. S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY).   USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

*Guidelines are subject to change

Posted by Chris Cieszynski on 07/05 at 11:33 AM
Nutrition • Permalink

School Meals All Summer Long as part of the Summer Food Service Program

With summer approaching, students will have the opportunity to obtain nutritionally balanced meals.  Meals will be provided free to all children regardless of race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin during summer vacation at open sites, open-restricted sites, and closed enrolled sites.  An open site is for all children 18 years old and younger.  An open restricted site is open on a first-come-first-served basis for all children 18 years old and younger, but the site sponsor may restrict or limit attendance.  A closed enrolled site is restricted and only available for the students enrolled in the sponsor’s program.

Sponsored sites are located in geographical areas of need where 50 percent or more of the children qualify for free or reduced-price meals during the school year.  

Information on participating sites is included in this pdf download. If you would like more information on the Summer Food Service Program or participating sites, please contact Food and Nutrition Services at (813) 794-2439.

Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA-related activity should write or call immediately to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC, 20250-9410 or call  (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY).   USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Posted by Emily Mark on 05/24 at 01:58 PM
Nutrition • Permalink

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Schools Announced

Congratulations to Northwest Elementary, Pasco Elementary, Lacoochee Elementary, and Rodney B. Cox Elementary schools who were awarded a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant provided by the Florida Department of Education, Food and Nutrition Management Division.   The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant will introduce students to a variety of fresh fruit and/or vegetables in the classroom during the 2011-2012 school year.

The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill) authorizes funds for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable for all states.  Participating schools must offer "fresh" fruits and vegetables as a snack to students during the school day separate from their normal school breakfast and lunch times.  The goals of the program are to create healthier school environments by providing healthier food choices, expand the variety of fruits and vegetables that students experience, increase students' fruit and vegetable consumption, and make a difference in students’ diets that will impact their present and future health.

Fresh fruits and vegetables will be provided a minimum of three days a week, and students will get a chance to try fruit and vegetable favorites, as well as some "unique" choices that are not normally available as a part of the school breakfast and lunch program. During this past school year, Lacoochee Elementary and Rodney B. Cox Elementary schools participated in the program and students were able to snack on red pepper sticks, Asian pears, edemame, blood oranges, and traditional favorites such as peaches, plums, honeydew, and more.

Posted by Emily Mark on 05/13 at 05:16 PM
Nutrition • Permalink

Students Go Fishing for Dr. Seuss’ Birthday

One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish was the theme for Dr. Seuss' Birthday on Wednesday, March 2nd.  Elementary students were surprised to find red gummy fish "swimming" in a cup of blue gelatin.  Many FNS employees dressed up for the event in support of National Reading Week, showcasing their "Cat in the Hat" and Thing One, Thing Two, Thing Three and more attire.  

Earlier that morning, many elementary school food service programs served a special breakfast of green eggs and ham, and gave away Dr. Seuss books and other prizes. This has become an annual event, and thank you to all the employees that help make it possible. 

Posted by Emily Mark on 03/03 at 03:26 PM
Nutrition • Permalink

FNS Employees Celebrated at Pasco Education Foundation’s Night of the Stars Event

Congratulations to all FNS employees honored at the Pasco Education Foundation's Night of the Stars event held on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the Wesley Chapel High School Center for the Arts. This annual event celebrate the District's Teachers, School Related Personnel, Noninstructional Nonbargaining Employees, and Administrators of the Year.

Each year, schools throughout the county select a dedicated and valued employee that represents the District School Board of Pasco County as their School Related Personnel of the Year.  This year, FNS had eleven FNS Assistants and Production Assistants recognized with this prestigious honor, and Vonnie Maples, FNS Manager at Watergrass Elementary School, named the Noninstructional Nonbargining Employee of Year! 

 Food and Nutrition Services is proud to have you as a part of our family.

Posted by Emily Mark on 01/31 at 01:38 PM
Nutrition • Permalink

School Lunch:  What’s on Your Tray

2010 National School Lunch Week
School Lunch: What's On Your Tray?
October 11-15, 2010

Posted by Emily Mark on 09/28 at 01:35 AM
Nutrition • Permalink

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.

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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.