Nutrition Services Angel Fund

This is a fund used by Nutrition Services as a safety net for students in grades K-12 that do not have sufficient funds in their accounts due to circumstances beyond their control and who do not qualify for meal benefits.  The fund saves children the embarrassment of not having money to pay for their meals.  This is a temporary solution until other arrangements can be made to assist the child and family on a more permanent basis.

How does it work? Funds are available to provide students with nutritious lunch when the need has been identified by the principal, teacher or other designated staff member.  A referral must be sent to the nutrition services office before funds may be transferred.

How can I contribute?  Donations are accepted year-round from individuals or groups.  Contributions should be mailed to Nutrition Services Office at 4855 Bloom Ave, Room 310, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.  Checks should be made payable to White Bear Nutrition Services Angel Fund.  Please indicate if you would like to remain anonymous in the school board minutes.  You may also make a donation directly to your child's school.

Outreach for Minnesota Health Care Program

Click this link to see if you qualify for free or low-cost Health Care Programs for children.

What's New in Nutrition Services this year!

We are expanding our Farm to School Program by using local farmers to provide fresh and frozen foods to our menu.    This Fall our fresh apples are supplied by the Pine Tree Orchard Farm in White Bear Lake.   For the last few years, we have been purchasing local foods from Indianhead Foodservice Distributor from farmers in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota.









   

Our Meals:

Since the Healthy Hunger Kids Act was passed into law in 2010, manufacturers have stepped up the "plate' and have been making highly nutritious foods available to us at reasonable prices.  This is exciting because it further supports our efforts in role modeling good food choices for students. 

For the last few years, students have had access to a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.  The choices are listed on the daily menus. The days of high fat and high sodium foods are gone.  Welcome to the age of culturally interesting foods, foods made with spices and beans, lots and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables of all different colors and textures.

All elementary menus offer two hot entrees, one of which is vegetarian as well as a cold sandwich choice.  Salad bars are offered at the middle and high schools.  Elementary schools have fruit and vegetable bars with a wide variety of choices. Students are encouraged to select any quantity of fruits and vegetables plus skim or one percent milk. 

Many of our foods are more expensive but we feel our students and staff are worth the extra cost to ensure a healthy and nutritious meal program.

Here is a snapshot of the new menu guidelines:

• Wider variety of fruits and vegetables on the menus and students are encouraged to try them.
• Students must take one serving of fruits or vegetables as part of their meal.
  
• Breads and grains are all whole grain rich
• A gradual decrease in sodium and fat in menus over time.
• Milk must be low-fat or non-fat and may be flavored.