Welcome To Child Nutrition
We're thrilled to continue providing your children with delicious and nourishing meals! This academic year, a fantastic opportunity awaits: all students attending St. Charles Parish Public Schools will receive one free breakfast and one free lunch daily, without the need for an application. Our entire district is excited to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2025-2026 school year.
Great nutrition fuels both growing bodies and curious minds. That's why we strongly encourage your child to join us regularly for breakfast and lunch. Our Child Nutrition Department is comprised of dedicated food and nutrition professionals, all committed to your student's well-being and their success in the classroom.
What's on the Menu and Beyond
Don't forget to check out our monthly menus on the District's website, updated for students, parents, community members, and staff. You'll find a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy entree and milk options, all designed to meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA regulations. Thanks to extensive team training, we're proud to offer more scratch-cooked and baked items, moving towards serving only minimally processed foods.
Many of our students are already involved in our popular Student Engagement Programs, where we collaborate to create appealing and nutritious meals. These programs include:
- Student Focus and Taste Test Groups: Students across all grade levels get to sample and provide feedback on potential new menu items. Your kids' voices truly shape what we serve – in fact, their input has led to exciting new pizza options this year!
- The NEXT Program: Our 2nd graders get a hands-on experience, learning about school meals, touring the kitchen, making healthy snacks, and diving into nutrition.
- The Culinary Cook-Off: A fantastic opportunity for our Satellite Center's Culinary Arts students to invent new recipes for our menus!
- Eat on the Beat: A special partnership with the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, allowing officers to share lunch with our elementary students.
Parents, please encourage your child to enjoy breakfast and lunch in our cafeterias daily. It's a simple step that can significantly boost their health and their performance in school. We can't wait to serve your child!
Warmest Regards,
Jenny DeRoche, RDN, LDN
Director of Child Nutrition