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Child Nutrition

The Child Nutrition department is committed to promoting student health and well-being by providing nutritious, balanced meals every school day. Our team ensures that all meals meet federal and state nutrition guidelines, offering a variety of delicious options to accommodate diverse dietary needs and preferences. We emphasize the importance of healthy eating habits and work to educate students about nutrition.

Child Nutrition
750 W. 200 N.
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116 (Previously Mary W. Jackson Elementary School)

801.974.8380

  • August Menus

    September Menus

    When selecting ingredients and entrees to serve in our program we look for foods that are lean, low-fat, low-sodium, low-sugar, hormone-free, additive-free, and whole grain rich. For more detailed information regarding our school menus (ingredients, caloric/nutritional information, etc.), please use our Interactive Menus or scan the QR code below to download our interactive school menu app.                        

       

     

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    Apple App Store   

       

     

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    Google Play Store

     

     

    Special Dietary Needs

    For students with special dietary needs please contact Lydia Hales via email at: lydia.hales@slcschools.org. A special dietary request form is required to accommodate students with allergies and other dietary needs. This form can be found in the "resources" portion of this webpage or by clicking the button below. The form needs to be filled out by an approved medical professional. The form can be turned into the school your student is attending, or directly to Lydia Hales via email or fax.

    Lydia Hales’ contact information:

    An orange button with the text 'SPECIAL NEEDS DIETARY FORM'.

    As a district we have noted that there is a high demand for a "pork free" menu in many of our communities. For this reason, we do not serve pork in our elementary schools or during the summer meal program. In our secondary schools, we provide multiple menu options. Pork can be served, however, menu items must clearly state "Pork" in the menu description. Older students will be able to easily identify pork products and select accordingly.

    Please note that while we continue to serve items that resemble pork products such as Turkey Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Rib Q Sandwich, Corn Dog, and Pepperoni Pizza, they are all completely pork-free and are instead made from meats like turkey, beef and chicken.

    For questions regarding ingredients, please contact our department registered dietician - Lydia Hales.

  • The words 'schoolcafe' in white script on a green background.

    We use an app called SchoolCafe to allow parents to pay for school meals online (click the green logo to make a payment). SchoolCafe is a state-of-the-art online service that provides you the convenience to manage your student’s meal account and apply for free meal benefits all at one place. To aid in managing your student’s account on-the-go, SchoolCafe also has a free mobile app available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play store.

    Every household must create a SchoolCafe account before accessing their student lunch account or applying for free meal benefits. Be ready to provide your child(ren)’s full registered name, student ID number, and the school enrolled. All questions regarding your child’s registered name or student ID number must be directed to the main school office where your child is enrolled.

    Important Information

    • Students new to the district must be enrolled and obtain a student ID number before creating an SchoolCafe account.
    • Parents who wish to pay via check or cash can pay for school meals in the school office. 
    • Students will be charged extra for second meals or take extra items. (Even students who qualify for free lunch are charged if they take extra items (like an extra milk) or a second meal.)

    Payment Questions or Concerns

    If you have any questions or feel that your student meal account balance is not correct, contact Jonathan Chesnut the Finance Specialist at Salt Lake City School District Child Nutrition Department. If Jonathan is not available, our trained team of support specialists are available during office hours to assist you as well.

    Contact Jonathan or any of our support specialists at...

    SchoolCafe Instructions

  • The words 'schoolcafe' in white script on a green background.SchoolCafe’s Free and Reduced Online Application makes it easy and convenient to apply for free meals at the click of a button. Online applications are instantly and securely submitted to the school district for processing and approval. It is extremely fast, convenient, and reliable.

    Every household must create a SchoolCafe account before applying for free meal benefits. Be ready to provide your child(ren)’s full registered name, student ID number, and the school enrolled. All questions regarding your child’s registered name or student ID number must be directed to the main school office where your child is enrolled. Note: New students to the district must be enrolled and obtain a student ID number before creating an account.

    Families must reapply every school year for free and reduced meal benefits. Submit only ONE APPLICATION for your entire household. Do no submit a separate application for each child who attends school. If you have already completed an application for this school year, you do not need to complete another application.

    Parents may also elect to print out and submit a paper application to the kitchen manager or child nutrition department. Paper applications are available in a variety of language. If you would like to obtain an application in another language, click the following link: USDA Paper Applications (Translated Print Ready Versions).

    For more information or help completing the free and reduced meal application, contact the Child Nutrition department by email freeandreduced@slcschools.org or phone (801) 974-8380.

    Important Information

    • Students will be charged extra for second meals or take extra items. (Even students who qualify for free lunch are charged if they take extra items (like an extra milk) or a second meal.)

    Free and Reduced Price Meal Resources

    SchoolCafe Instructions

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  • FREE or REDUCED Price Student Meals (federally subsidized reimbursable meal)

    • ALL Schools: Lunch - $0.00 / Breakfast - $0.00

    Note: Please be aware that free/reduced meal benefits and paid meal subsidies only apply to one breakfast and one lunch each day. Students will be charged full price for each second meal and additional food item purchased.

    PAID Student Meals (partially subsidized reimbursable meal)

    • Elementary Schools: Lunch - $2.00 / Breakfast - $1.00
    • Middle Schools: Lunch - $2.30 / Breakfast - $1.20
    • High Schools: Lunch - $2.50 / Breakfast - $1.20

    Non-Program Sales (not subsidized)

    Non-program foods such as second meals, adult meals, and single menu items (milk, fruit, vegetable, chips, etc.) can be purchased with a meal ticket purchased at the school office.

    • Adult and Second Meals: Lunch - $3.75 / Breakfast - $2.75
    • Ala-cart Side Items - Entrée $2.00 / Fruit, Vegetable, or Side Dish $1.00 / Milk or Juice $0.50 

    IMPORTANT: Second student meals and non-enrolled child meals will be charged the full adult meal price

    If you have questions or concerns about your child's meal charges, please email us at mealfees@slcschools.org or call the Child Nutrition Department at (801) 974-8380.

    What is a federally subsidized Reimbursable Meal?

    Reimbursable Meal: A meal which meets the U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations and may be claimed for payment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

    Reimbursable Student Lunch:

    It is recommended that each student lunch selection includes one component from all five food groups:  Fruit, Vegetable, Grain, Milk, and Meat/Meat Alternate.  At a minimum, to qualify as a reimbursable lunch the student MUST select the following:

    1) Student MUST select at least three (3) components, each from a different food group; and

    2) One (1) component selected MUST be either a fruit or a vegetable (minimum ½ cup)

    An educational graphic shows components of a reimbursable student lunch: grain, protein, dairy, fruit, and vegetable.

    Reimbursable Student Breakfast:

    It is recommended that each student breakfast selection includes a Main Entrée (grain or meat/meat alternate), a fruit and a milk component.  At a minimum, to qualify as a reimbursable breakfast the student must select the following:

    1) Student MUST select at least one (1) Main Entrée (grain or meat/meat alternate); and

    2) One (1) component selected MUST be a fruit (minimum ½ cup)

    An image displays various breakfast food options for students, including cereal, waffles, and fruit.

     

  • Children run happily in a park, promoting summer food options.

    Utah SUN Bucks (also called Summer EBT) can help families buy food during the summer when schools are closed. Families get $120 for each eligible school-age child.

    How do I get SUN Bucks?

    If you receive SNAP or TANF and you qualify for free or reduced school lunch, your school-age children will automatically be enrolled, and SUN Bucks will be added to your SNAP account or issued as a separate electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card this summer. For Medicaid recipients, scan the QR code below or visit SUN Bucks Website to see if your program qualifies.

    If you attend a school where everyone receives free lunch (CEP School) and you do NOT receive SNAP, TANF or Medicaid, you can apply for SUN Bucks online at Utah SUN Bucks Website.

    Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2025.

    If you moved since filling out your free or reduced meal application, update your address at Utah SUN Bucks Website. Protect your student's personal information by sending only this information:

    • State Student ID# (SSID) - this is not your student’s lunch number
    • Student’s first and last name
    • Student’s day and month of birth
    • School and district your student attended in the 2024-2025 school year
    • The last home address reported to the school
    • The current mailing address of the student
    • Name of Parent or Guardian who filled out the free reduced meal application at school

    SUN Bucks needs this information for each student. If they are unable to locate your student with this information, SUN Bucks will request additional information by sending an encrypted email to protect your student’s personal information.

    If you participate in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid, make sure your address is up to date on click the link here so your SUN Bucks benefits are sent to the right place!

    *The one-time SUN Bucks benefits will begin to go out on June 6, 2025. As new benefit applications are approved, benefits will be available weekly on Thursdays.*

    *For any updates concerning the status of your application or if you do not receive your SUN Bucks benefits, email utsunbucks@utah.gov or call (833)-940-2990.*

    Helpful links below.

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