More information about new nutrition guidelines: Good nutrition

As a result of the federal Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, changes are being implemented this fall to school lunches. The Ray-Pec School District already follows many of the healthy guidelines for school lunch. For example, all milk served at Ray-Pec schools is either low-fat (1 percent) or fat-free, and the district does not serve items containing trans fats.

But students will see changes in the size of protein portions and hot rolls. The new nutrition standards for school lunch establish a maximum calorie and sodium limit for meals, require schools to serve a fruit and vegetable every day at lunch and in larger portions, which vary by age group. Schools are required to offer a minimum number of leafy green vegetables, red-orange vegetables, starchy vegetables, and legumes each week.

Over a two-year time period, the district will implement more items with whole grain as the first ingredient. New regulations for breakfast will be phased in, and regulations for a la carte items and vending machines will come later.

The Child Nutrition Department now offers Birthday/School Party Snack catering! You can order snacks for your child's birthday or for a class party. Snacks with milk or juice are available for 75 cents or $1 each. Information: Party Snack flyer
K-6 Snack Pricing list
Snack order form

Recently the Child Nutrition Department has implemented a new breakfast option, the Grab & Go Breakfast.  This allows all students, even the ones running a bit late in the mornings, to have a healthy breakfast so they can be ready to start their day of learning.  Currently, the Grab & Go options are offered at Bridle Ridge, Creekmoor, Stonegate and Raymore.  Over time, the program could be rolled out district wide.  Please click the link below to see the menu options.    

GrabnGo

A review of the district's Child Nutrition Program was presented to the Board of Education on July 19, 2012. Here is the report: Child Nutrition Program Review

A review of the district's Wellness Program was presented to the Board of Education on April 19, 2012. Here are the documents presented at the meeting:
Wellness Program Review
Wellness Procedures
Eat Smart Guidelines

The Child Nutrition Department, represented by a staff of 70+ well-trained, dedicated women and men, provides high-quality, nutritionally balanced, and affordable lunches to more than 5,900 students daily across our district.

The department, operating as a self-supporting, cost-effective business within our district, maintains fiscal responsibility to the overall operations. Operating with an annual budget of $2.2 million, our department continues to grow to meet the needs of the school environment, and expand services to meet the needs within our community.

The National School Lunch and Breakfast programs are important in contributing to good nutrition, which is vital to mental and physical growth of students. As such, the Child Nutrition program operates as an integral part of the total educational program.

Rediscover school meals...Join us in the cafeteria anytime.

For questions or comments please feel free to contact us at (816) 892-1370.