2013-2014 SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM
Our Mission
We will provide nutritious meals that reflect current science-based research, the Dietary Guidelines for American, and
meal patterns outlined in the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act for school age children that will assist students to reach
their full academic potential.
About Us
Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, School Nutrition Program, is a nonprofit $16 million business. Over 350
food services professionals take pride in serving approximately 32,000 meals daily at 52 schools. Breakfast, Lunch
and a la carte items are available in all schools. The breakfast and lunch schedules are planned by each school
principal. After-School Snacks are served during PrymeTyme in all elementary schools.
The food service program, as an extension of the educational programs of the schools, is operated under the
federally funded National School Lunch Act and Child Nutrition Act. The School Nutrition Program receives federal
reimbursement for eligible meals served to all students. Other revenue is generated from meal sold to paying and
reduced students, a la carte sales, and adult meals and catering. The School Nutrition Program is self-supporting
and does not receive monies from the local board of education general funds. The federal laws regulating the food
service programs are administered by the United States Department of Agriculture through the regional office and
implemented within the State by the Georgia Department of Education.
The program's objective is to improve the health of students by providing a variety of palatable, high-quality, safe,
nutritious foods that students will enjoy eating at a price affordable to them. The menus are planned by A Registered
Dietitian and chef. The school cafeteria serves as the nutrition laboratory in the schools.
The School Nutrition Program does not allow charges. If you forget to send money, pre-pay for meals, or you did not
update your free and reduced price meal application for the new school year, the program offers an alternate meal to
your child(ren) to insure they do not go hungry. Please replenish the child’s account as soon as possible. We do not
receive any reimbursement for alternate meals.
IMPORTANT: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013, WILL BE THE LAST DAY STUDENTS CAN USE THEIR
MEAL STATUS FROM THE 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR. IT WILL EXPIRE ON THIS DATE. IF YOU HAVE NOT
SUBMITTED A MEAL APPLICATION (BY THE DEADLINE) FOR THE 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR, PLEASE SEND
MONEY WITH YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL; $1.15 FOR BREAKFAST AND $2.15 FOR LUNCH (K8) AND $2.40
FOR LUNCH (9-12)
We strongly encourage that your use the program’s online pre-payment through mylunchmoney.com. This
automated system allows you to manage money on your child’s(ren’s) account. You will need your child’s
student ID# to set up the account. This system will alert you when funds dip below the level you set.
Nutrition Integrity
Every student will have the opportunity to choose from a variety of nutritious, appetizing foods; served in a pleasant
environment that provides adequate time to eat so they will be ready to learn.
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Our nutrition standard will be based on current Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Institute of Medicine meal
pattern recommendations as outlined in the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act.
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Nutritional values of meals will be evaluated over a school week based on new meal standards rather than
judged on a single meal or food item.
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Since foods must be eaten to provide nutrients, Student preferences and input will be considered in menu
planning. All new foods will be evaluated for nutrient density, ingredients, and student acceptability.
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Student meals will meet the required calorie range by grade level and a variety of foods to support growth,
development, and healthy weight.
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Foods will be prepared to ensure a balance between optimal nutrition and student acceptance.
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Competitive foods (a la carte and vending) offered to students in addition to meals will meet or exceed the
Alliance for a Healthier Generation and the United States Department of Agriculture HealthierUS School
Challenge Standards.
Purchasing practices will ensure the use of high quality ingredients, seasonal produce, and menu options to
maximize acceptance and will reflect current science-based research, current Dietary Guidelines for Americans,
Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act and HealthierUS School Challenge menus are planned with foods specified to have
reduced saturated fat, zero trans fats, reduced sodium and sugar and increased fiber. Special nutrition efforts include
use of:
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Whole grain breads, cereals, pasta, grains, and tortilla chips, and whole grain and reduced sugar cereal.

Grade A frozen and canned vegetables.
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Fruit packed in light syrup or natural juice.
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A variety of vegetables including dark green, red/orange, and legumes offered weekly.
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Foods prepared with little or no added salt.
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Vegetable and animal proteins items will be reduced fat.
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Water-packed tuna or vacuum packed salmon.
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Variety of milk including 1% low fat unflavored; flavored and unflavored fat free milk.
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No iodized salt packets available to customers.
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Low calorie and low fat salad dressings.
School Meals are a great value and a huge convenience for busy families. We encourage you to pre-pay to make it
more convenient by using mylunchmoney.com or in your school’s cafeteria.
Lunches $2.15 Full Price (K-*), $240 Full Price (9-12)
And $0.40 Reduced Price
Breakfast $1.15 Full Price (all grade levels), and $0.30 Reduced Price
“This institution is an equal opportunity provider.”
For more information on the program, contact:
Lydia J. Martin MSRDLD, SNS, School Nutrition Director
Savannah-Chatham County Public School System
208 Bull St, Room 308
Savannah, Georgia 31401
(912) 395-5548 or lydia.martin@sccpss.com