Changes in York School Nutrition!
With childhood obesity on the rise we need to do our part to help teach children healthy eating. Although we have always strictly followed the guidelines when it comes to food in our schools, this year we have implemented the Institute of Medicine’s Standards for Healthy Food in Schools. Snacks have no more than 35% of calories from fat or sugar, no more than 10% of calories from saturated fat, and are less than 200 calories. We are working towards increased fiber in our menus by adding more whole grains and beans. What does this mean for your child? They are being offered some foods that were not found on our menus before. Beans are a low-fat, high fiber food and they are now a regular ingredient on our salad bars and in many recipes. Parents should encourage their children to try new foods. Good
nutrition has to be everyone’s responsibility.
Bag Lunches and Safe Storage
School meals are prepared and held at safe temperatures so that your child’s meals are safe. When visiting the schools, I like to see what students are eating in their bag lunches. I am often surprised by the number of children eating items that should be refrigerated and reheated to safe temperatures such as pastas, chicken nuggets & pizza. Remember that if you pack a meal for your child it should be in an insulated bag with a cold pack to keep it safe. Schools tend to get very warm this time of year and foods will grow bacteria in a very short time if left in the danger zone (40 to 140 degrees) for too long. Any food item with moisture, starch or protein that is not properly stored or reheated puts your child at risk for food borne illnesses.
NEW SERVICE AVAILABLE
MAKE PAYMENTS ONLINE!
Go to www.mynutrikids.com and register your child's account to view transactions, monitor balances and make online payments.Click the link for the website that can help you manage your child's nutrition account payments.
 CALLING ALL FARMERS!  FARM TO SCHOOL PROJECT
YORK schools are hoping to increase the amount of fresh local produce in their school nutrition programs. Farmers are invited to attend a short presentation and fill out informational forms to be contacted about food sales to the school nutrition programs in these two districts. If you have a farm or a back yard garden and are willing to donate or sell to our schools call the school nutrition office at 363-5554. We have salad bars in most schools and can be flexible with our menu to use fresh produce.
WHY BUY LOCAL?
* Farm to School programs have been demonstrated to be effective and innovative methods to get kids to eat healthy foods, improve academic performance, and provide hands-on experiential education to the greater benefit of our educational systems.
* Farm to School programs help preserve working farmland, invigorate local economies, rebuild and revitalize communities, and promote environmental stewardship.
* Maine's public schools are tax supported and buying local products strengthens the local tax base.
ABOUT US
Our program has production kitchens in all four of our schools, which means school lunches are prepared fresh daily on site for all York's students. Students may purchase breakfast at all schools. Students in grades 7 & 8 can also purchase a "Meal Deal" breakfast from the breakfast cart during their study hall classes.
MEAL PRICES
Student lunch and breakfast prices for the 2009 - 2010 school year will be $2.00 for grades K-8 and $2.25 for grades 9-12, reduced lunches are .40 for all grades. Cost for an adultlunch is $4.00. Breakfast is available at a cost of $1.25 for students, and at no cost for reduced or free students. Adult Breakfast is $1.50.
Download a free and reduced application by clicking on the link to the left. |
PAYMENTS
All students in York Schools have a debit lunch account on our computerized point of sale system. All meals and purchases by students in grades K-8 must be prepaid during the morning before school. No cash will be accepted in line at lunchtime. Payment envelopes are available at the registers and will be sent home with low balance slips when a student account falls below $5.00. Please check your child's backpack for low balance slips to reduce the chance of a student falling behind on their lunch account. No student will be allowed to charge Ala carte items at any school.
|
MAINE SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE ASSOCIATION
... is the state affiliate of the School Nutrition Association and helps our program operate with networking and training opportunities throughout the year. Many of our school nutrition staff are certified members of the School Nutrition Association, formerly the American School Food Service Association. To obtain certification Level I an employee must take three 10-hour courses in Sanitation, Food Production and Nutrition and be a member of the association. They must take 15 hours of continuing education credit hours every three years to maintain certification. Level II certified employees must complete 45 hours of continuing education credit hours every three years. Most employees have taken sanitation training and several are in the process of becoming certified within the next few months. Training is a
priority for our program to assure food safety and quality.
Employees who have completed the necessary credit hours for Level I:
Sharon Cole
Cynthia Sovetsky
Gara Sanborn
Alice Moriarty
Level II
Doris Demers
|