If you’re in need of food while school is not in session, please visit: foodfinder.us to find local organizations throughout our community who provide free meals.

 

Disclaimer: for the most up-to-date information, contact the nutritionist, Kristen Feaga at feagakr@mtwp.net or 717-735-1721 or ext. 1721. Thank you!

Food Allergies

We understand that food allergies can be very serious, which is why we are working together with the student health department to take all precautions possible when it comes to allergies and your child. Please have a medical professional (e.g. doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant) fill out this form if your student has a medical condition that affects their diet. Submit this to the student health department or the food services department. Thank you!

**Although all allergies are taken seriously, substitutions are only made by request for students with disabling food allergies and medical conditions.**

We do have a gluten-free menu for those with celiac disease as well as a gluten-free elect menu, please contact the nutritionist. Thank you!

Avoiding Allergens in the Classroom

Subscribe to National Food Recalls at: foodsafety.gov

Carbohydrate Counts

For the most up-to-date Carbohydrate Counts — access our menus on SchoolCafe.com

Please note, carbohydrate counts listed on schoolcafe.com include hamburger buns, rolls, etc. If you need a list of these items, please contact Kristen Feaga at feagakr@mtwp.net

 

What can I do, as a parent, to make my child eat better?

• Be a role model!
• Eat together as a family for meals, when possible.
• Encourage eating for satiety (fullness) not to clean your plate. Cleaning your plate teaches us to ignore when we’re full and encourages us to overeat!
• Discuss the menu with your child before they get to school, so they know what to expect and how you feel about the various menu options.
• Talk about fresh fruits and vegetables often at home. Buy a new produce item in the grocery store and try a new recipe online.
• Cook and prepare meals with your children. They’re more likely to try new foods it they help in the kitchen.
• Replace unhealthy snack options with healthier ones: keep yogurt, cut vegetables, fresh fruit, nut butter, lean proteins (e.g. hard-boiled egg, part-skim cheese) and whole grain-based snacks available. Try to vary the snack options each day.
• Take your child with you to the grocery store to help shop for healthy fruits & vegetables.
• Explain to your child about what a well-balanced meal is (includes protein, grain, vegetables, fruit & dairy).
• Teach limiting less healthy foods, not eliminating them! All foods can fit into a healthy diet. It’s all about finding the right balance.

For more ideas visit: http://children.webmd.com/features/your-childs-nutrition-power-parents.

Breaking Your Grade-schooler’s Unhealthy Food Habits from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

School Breakfast Program:

Where do you serve breakfast?

The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is available at every school. Our elementary schools offer breakfast daily in the classroom, where students either pick up their breakfast from a cart or in the cafeteria.

Landis Run, Middle School and High School serve breakfast in the cafeteria.

Why does my child have to take 3 meal items?

Because Manheim Township School District participates in the School Breakfast Program, we must follow government regulations. We offer students various options which include whole grains, fruit and milk. We offer at least 2 choices of whole grain-rich items (many count as two items), 2 choices of fruit and milk daily. Students must take a serving of fruit (100% juice does counts as a fruit) for a reimbursable meal.

For more information about the SBP, please visit or contact the Food & Nutrition Department.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/sbp/school-breakfast-program-sbp

National School Lunch Program:

Why does my child have to take 3 meal components?

Because Manheim Township School District participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), we are required to serve foods based on government set standards. We must offer students 5 meal components (e.g. meat/meat alternates, grain, fruit, vegetable, milk) everyday. Students are required to take 3 of the 5 meal components for optimal calories and nutrients. One of the 3 meal components must include a 1/2 cup of fruit and/or vegetable. These are the requirements to qualify for a reimbursable meal. Students may take all 5 meal components. However, we understand that students have different food preferences, so we allow them to pick and choose which 3 meal components they take, but they must take a fruit or vegetable.

What if my student doesn’t take 3 components for a meal or they refuse a fruit or vegetable? 

If a student refuses to make a reimbursable lunch, we must charge them for each item they want individually and not at the meal price.

My child gets free or reduced lunch, when he/she packs can he/she still get a milk for free?

No, due to the regulations of the NSLP, the school will not get federal funding unless the child takes a reimbursable meal. Students must purchase a milk if they pack.

For more information about the NSLP, please visit or contact the Food & Nutrition Department.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/national-school-lunch-program-nslp