Lunch News

Dear Parents and Students,

The new school year brings exciting and delicious changes to the MBUSD Food Services Department. A focus on nutrition and wellness guides menu development which will be reflected in a wide variety of daily choices. We understand the importance of good nutrition and are committed to helping students establish healthy eating habits. There is a direct connection between nutrition and academic success and we strive to ensure that every student receives the nutrition he or she needs to perform at optimal levels.

Some changes to look forward to in the 08-09 school year:

• We have switched to a new milk company and I am happy to say that the flavored milk no longer contains high fructose corn syrup. There will also be soy milk available to enjoy as part of the combo meal or purchased a la carte. If your child is allergic to milk, s/he may substitute juice instead, but, by law, we must have a current doctor’s note on file in our office. The notes from last year have now expired. A doctor’s note is not required to substitute soy milk.
• A wider variety of hot and cold menu choices will be available at all of our schools.
• We will continue to serve some of your favorite menu items.
• We will strive to prepare as many items from scratch as possible and do not intend to change that.
• Keep your eyes open for exciting additions to our menu.
• We will continue to improve our selections and stay in compliance with the new state laws mandating strict nutritional guidelines. Entrees will be lower in total fat, saturated fat, calories, and sodium while maintaining excellent flavor and appearance. We place emphasis on using whole grains, fruits, vegetables and the freshest ingredients in our recipes to ensure maximum flavor and quality.
• Meal Prices are as follows:
  • Elementary Schools Grades 1-5
  • Lunch Meal: $3.00.
• Lunch Meal Menus will be published monthly and available on the MBUSD and Meadows websites.
• Milk, flavored milk and soy milk, 100% fruit juice and water are available for purchase a la carte at all elementary schools. Price is $ 0.50
• A limited number of additional a la carte items may be added through out the year.
• MBUSD participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and encourages students who qualify to participate in our food programs. Lunch (Grades 1-12) is $.40 for reduced fee students and $0 for free fee students. Please note that qualifying students on the NSLP are entitled to one breakfast meal and one lunch meal at the free or reduced price per day. If your child chooses to eat a second meal, or a la carte items s/he must pay full price. A new application must be filled out at the beginning of each school year. Applications are available on the MBUSD website under the Food Services link, and also at all school offices.

Point Of Sale Cashier System

Another big project we have been working on this summer is the installation of a new electronic point of sale (cashier) system throughout the District. We encourage students and parents to use the system instead of using cash as much as possible. Less cash handling will allow the lines to move more quickly and ensure your children do not forget or misplace their money. Please note: all student balances from lunch punch cards will be translated into dollar value and transferred to our new system. Parents do not need to do anything in that regard.

This new POS system will provide parents a new, more convenient, easy and secure online prepayment service to deposit money into your child’s school meal account at any time. This service also provides parents the ability to view your child’s account balance through a web site called MyNutrikids. By having money in each child’s account prior to entering the cafeteria, we find the lunch lines move along much faster so your child has more time to eat and be with friends. All balances from lunch punch cards are being transferred to MyNutrikids. You do not need to do anything.

Also, parents will have the ability to print out a copy of their child’s eating history report. This history report will show you all dates and times that your child has purchased a breakfast and or lunch within the past thirty days. 

All students participating in the free or reduced lunch program must use their NutriKids Account. Parents must deposit a sufficient amount of money on the account to cover the cost of reduced fee of $0.40 per daily lunch. Our system will not allow a $0.40 cash payment at the register. We recommend a $10 deposit at a time, as long as your child does not purchase any items a la carte or any second meals, as they are not included in the National School Lunch Program.

Because of the investment we have made in this new POS system, and the confidence we have in this modern technology, there will be a very limited number of borrow slips handed out since parents can add money to their child’s account from a remote location the same day. 

To access these services, simply go to the Food Services page of the MBUSD web site. The process is simple. However, you will need your child’s permanent student ID number (this is the number that appears on report cards, class schedules and most official documents you receive from the district. If you still have trouble finding the number please contact your child’s elementary school office.

We are very excited to offer these new services, and are confident this new system will benefit you, your child, and our District. However, if you choose not to take advantage of the online prepayment service you may continue to make advance payments via check, which should be made payable to the MBUSD FOOD SERVICES. Please write your CHILD’S FULL NAME, ID NUMBER AND SCHOOL NAME on the check. Checks will take 48 hours to process and appear on your child’s account.

If you have any questions about these new services, please feel free to contact my office at 310.318.7345 x5031. 

Best regards,

Léna Agee, Director
Food Services Department
Manhattan Beach Unified School District