FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most popular questions that you, parents, have frequently asked us. The answers to these questions have been provided by Sodexo’s Registered Dietitians.

My child has a food allergy. How can I find out if the foods in the cafeteria are safe for him to eat?

You need to schedule a meeting with your school nurse and foodservice representative for the school. The USDA has issued policy guidance for schools outlined in FNS Instruction 783-2, Revision 2, Meal Substitutions for Medical or Other Special Dietary Reasons. The nature of your child's food allergy, the reason the allergy prevents the child from eating the regular school meal, and the specific substitutions needed must be specified in a statement signed by a licensed physician. Monthly meetings or calls with the school staff are recommended to ensure your child’s food allergy plan is on target. It is your responsibility to update the school staff with any changes that are occurring with your child’s dietary needs.

How can I contact someone in the food service department?

See our contact information on the Meet the Team page or drop us a line from the Feedback page.

I need help planning meals. I never learned to cook and eating out is too expensive. Help!

First, congratulations for taking the first step towards controlling your health and the health of your family! You can do this! Check out the website www.ChooseMyPlate.gov for basic information on meal planning. Next, go to your local library or bookstore and look through health eating cookbooks. Select a healthy eating cookbook with recipes that appeal to your tastebuds. You need recipes. Learning to cook without recipes is like trying to drive a car with a blindfold – not a good idea! Recipes will guide you through the process and help make sure the meal is a delicious success.

What are the nutritional requirements for school lunches?

School lunches must meet the applicable recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend that no more than 30 percent of an individual's calories come from fat, and less than 10 percent from saturated fat. Regulations also establish a standard for school lunches to provide one‐third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances of protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, calcium, and calories. School lunches must meet Federal nutrition requirements, but decisions about what specific foods to serve and how they are prepared are made by local school food authorities.