Nutrition Services at Seattle Public Schools

As a parent or caregiver, you want your child to be healthy, happy, and successful in school. One important factor in achieving these goals is ensuring your child can access healthy and nutritious food throughout the day. Seattle Public Schools understands nutrition’s vital role in supporting student success, so we offer all students a range of food and nutrition services, regardless of their family's income level. This page aims to provide an overview of the food and nutrition services provided by SPS and resources for more information.

SPS Culinary Services Dept. and Mission

Seattle Public Schools' Culinary Services department is dedicated to providing nutritious and delicious meals to all students while promoting healthy eating habits and using locally sourced, sustainably grown ingredients. The department's mission is to enhance the health and well-being of students by providing access to healthy food choices.

The Culinary Services team comprises professionally trained chefs, nutritionists, and food service workers who work collaboratively to prepare and serve meals that meet federal nutrition guidelines. The department is also committed to minimizing food waste and ensuring all students have access to the meals they need to thrive academically and personally. The department promotes healthy habits and supports academic success among Seattle Public Schools students by prioritizing nutrition, sustainability, and student well-being.

To achieve their mission, the Culinary Services department partners with local farmers and food suppliers to provide fresh, seasonal ingredients free from artificial additives and preservatives. They also offer training and support for school staff on proper handling and preparing food to ensure that meals are safe for students with allergies and other dietary restrictions.

In addition to serving meals during the school year, the Culinary Services department offers summer meal programs and community feeding sites to ensure that students can access healthy food during the summer months. The department's mission is to provide "nutritious and flavorful meals that fuel successful learning," they strive to achieve this every day through their dedication to nutrition, sustainability, and student well-being.

Overview of Nutrition Services at Seattle Public Schools

Seattle Public Schools is committed to providing healthy and nutritious meals to all students in its schools. Here's an overview of the nutrition services provided by SPS:

Seattle Public Schools offers breakfast and lunch programs at all schools.
The menus served in the schools meet federal nutrition guidelines, and options are available for vegetarian and halal diets.
Students with special dietary needs or restrictions can receive meal accommodations.
During summer, meal programs are available at community feeding sites.
Eligible students can take advantage of free and reduced-price meal programs.
Families and students can access nutritional education resources.
A mobile app provides easy access to menus, nutritional information, and meal account balances.
Families can use the meal payment system to manage their student's meal accounts online.

About the Menu

Seattle Public Schools serves menus that adhere to federal nutrition guidelines, requiring certain nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The Culinary Services department ensures that meals are balanced, nutritious, and appetizing to students.

Menus offer a range of choices, including vegetarian and halal options, to accommodate students' dietary needs and preferences. The department prioritizes using locally sourced ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, the department reduces the amount of added sugars and unhealthy fats in their meals by using cooking methods like baking, roasting, and steaming.

Nutritional information for all menu items is available on the district's mobile app and the department's website, allowing students and families to make informed choices.

Free and Reduced Lunch Program

Seattle Public Schools' Culinary Services department offers free and reduced-price meals to students who qualify based on family income. Students who qualify for free meals receive breakfast and lunch at no cost, while those who qualify for reduced-price meals receive them at a reduced cost.

The department also offers a la carte options, available for purchase with cash or funds loaded onto students' meal accounts.

To apply for free or reduced-price meals, families can fill out an online application or submit a paper application to their school. Applications are available in multiple languages and can be submitted anytime during the school year. Families can also contact their school or the Culinary Services department for more information on eligibility and the application process.

It's important to note that the free and reduced-price meal program is available during the school year and during the summer. The department offers summer meal programs and community feeding sites to ensure students access healthy food during the summer months. More information about summer meal programs and community feeding sites is available on the Seattle Public Schools website.

Available Resources

Here are some helpful resources for families who want to learn more about Seattle Public Schools' Culinary Services:

For information about school meals, including menus and nutritional information, visit the Culinary Services webpage: https://www.seattleschools.org/cms/one.aspx?pageId=14350

Families can apply for free or reduced-price meals through the district's online application portal: https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/nutrition_services/meal_benefits

For questions about food allergies or special dietary needs, contact the district's Nutrition Services department at nutritionservices@seattleschools.org.

Families can also download the district's mobile app to access menus and nutritional information: https://www.seattleschools.org/resources/mobile_app.

For information about summer meal programs and community feeding sites, visit the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction's webpage: https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/summer-meals-program

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