Message from the Director of Food & Nutrition Services
We are happy to welcome students to the Food and Nutrition Program.
Our school offers healthy meals each day. Starting school year 2023-24, Hibbing Public Schools are joining Minnesota's Free School Meals Program. All students can get one breakfast and one lunch free of charge each day at school. All second meals and ala carte items must be paid for with cash.
Although no application is required to receive this free meal benefit, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important! Your child(ren) may qualify for other benefits like reduced fees at school. Your application may also help the school qualify for education funds, discounts and other meal programs.
Healthy school meal menus are developed in line with USDA meal pattern requirements. The Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act requires menus to meet science-based, federal nutrition standards limiting saturated fat and portion size. Menus must also offer the right balance of fruits, vegetables, milk, grains and protein with every meal. In addition to meeting nutrition standards, we offer multiple menu selections and include Farm to School produce.
“We are always working to offer students healthier and tastier choices”, says Tonja Cunningham, the school districts Food & Nutrition Services Director. We make student favorites healthier. One example is our pizza which is prepared on whole grain bread with low-sodium sauce and low-fat cheese. Students often do not notice the difference.
Children need protein and limited amounts of fat to support growth and development. School meal programs provide nutrient-dense foods such as low-fat dairy products, lean meats and whole grains served in age-appropriate portions.
Your questions, suggestions and comments are always helpful and appreciated. The best of luck for a productive school year.
For more information contact:
Tonja Cunningham
Tel: 218-208-0854
tonja.cunningham@isd701.org
