Welcome to the Cuyahoga Falls School Food and Nutrition Services Program for the 2012-2013 school year
OUR DISTRICT IS THE WINNER OF THE BRONZE AWARD FROM THE ALLIANCE FOR A HEALTHIER GENERATION
Each and every one of our schools has been awarded the National BRONZE Award for the Healthy Schools Program from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation which is collaboration between the American Heart Association and the William B Clinton Foundation. The Healthy Schools Program recognizes schools that create healthier school environments that promote physical activity and healthy eating among students and staff. Only 250 schools in the entire United States are given this award each year. The High school was recognized last year and was the first High School in the State to be given the award. The rest of the schools were recognized this year! To earn a Healthy Schools Program National Recognition Award, schools must meet requisite number of best practice criteria in each of the following eight content areas that address school health improvements: Policy/Systems; School Meals Programs; Competitive Foods & Beverages; Health Education; Physical Activity; School Employee Wellness; Physical Education; Before and Afterschool Programs
Cuyahoga Falls School Food and Nutrition Services program serves approximately 5000 students in the district’s nine schools. Our breakfast and lunch programs are operated under the direction of the United States Department of Agriculture, Ohio Department of Education as well as the Summit County Health Department. We hope that your student enjoys our meal programs and finds them appealing, nutritious and affordable. We offer breakfast programs at every school and a hot lunch program at each school daily.
NUTRITION GUIDELINES
Meals served under the National School Lunch Program meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. School lunches provide one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances of daily nutritional requirements appropriate for that grade level- protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, calcium and calories and no more than 10% of calories should come from saturated fat and zero grams of trans fat are permitted in the meals.
The Healthy, Hunger-Free- Free Kids Act of 2010 was signed into law. This historic legislation marked the most comprehensive changes to the school nutrition environment in more than a generation. These new standards are critically needed to help combat the epidemic of childhood obesity as well as the urgent problem of childhood hunger. The key changes to the meals for children are in the daily servings of fruits and vegetables; meat and meat alternate ranges; and the inclusion of whole grains offered in the meal program.
WELLNESS
Wellness and encouraging children to maintain a healthy weight are top considerations for our school food service. The changes to school menus work in conjunction with Cuyahoga Falls School Wellness Policy. Our goal is to promote healthy lifestyles by encouraging school children to eat healthier and to get more exercise.
BREAKFAST
Breakfasts served provide one-fourth or more of the daily recommended levels for key nutrients that children need. Many children and youth skip breakfast. Often children and parents find that the morning is too rushed to allow time to prepare something to eat. Others are not hungry until they have been awake for a period of time. Some students simply do not have enough food at home for a morning meal. No matter what the reason, students who do not eat breakfast are often hungry by the time their first class begins.
The School Breakfast program provides an excellent opportunity for students to start the day with a healthy morning meal. Many studies show that children who eat a good breakfast every day learn better, behave better and perform more effectively than children who do not eat breakfast. In fact, students who increase their breakfast participation have been found to have higher math grades, less frequent school absences and tardiness, and fewer emotional and behavioral problems. Research also shows that children who eat a school breakfast closer to class and test-taking time perform better on standardized tests than those who skip breakfast.
LUNCH
The National School Lunch Program provides school children with one-third or more of their RDA for key nutrients. We continue to strive for a balance which will provide lunches that the students will enjoy and meet their nutrient goals. Our daily lunch served at each school must include five components: a protein source, bread, a variety of vegetables and fruits and eight ounces of milk. Choices of entrees are available each day, including both hot and cold selections. In the effort to provide a balanced meal, all elementary, middle and high school students are offered at least five components each day; however your child may choose as few as three foods to complete a meal. Our schools also offer a variety of USDA approved a la carte items for sale including portioned baked snacks, soft pretzels, bagels, juices, fresh baked cookies, baked chips, waters and alternate non-carbonated beverages ranging in prices from $.50 and up depending on location.
Meal Prices
Lunch Breakfast
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Elementary
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$2.50
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$1.20
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Middle
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$2.80/$3.00
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$1.75
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High School
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$3.00 /$3.35
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$1.95
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Milk pints are available for 50 cents; Reduced Lunch: 40 cents; Reduced Breakfast: 30 cents
Please refer to our web page: cfalls.org to view our monthly menu offerings; the calorie and carbohydrate content and other useful information regarding our meal program. Necessary forms are also available on our website.