The number one priority at the ABC Unified School District Nutrition Services Department is to provide students with healthy, nutritious and delicious meals. Good nutrition enhances children's ability to learn and excel at optimum levels. It is the responsibility of Nutrition Services to properly fuel the minds and bodies of our students, assisting the educational process by providing the nutrients necessary for increased mental stamina, attentiveness and retention. This is the challenge Nutrition Services rises to each and every day. Additionally, our State and Federal governments regulate strict controls in the how and what portions are served with each meal.

The ABCUSD Nutrition Services Department prepares and serves about 10,000 meals daily to ABC students. The meals are designed to meet 1/3 of the average child's daily nutritive requirements. ABCUSD Nutrition Services Department participates in the National School Lunch Program, National Breakfast Program (selected sites), After School Snack Program (selected sites), and the Child and Adult Food Care Program (Head Start and Childcare Centers at Selected Sites).

ABCUSD Nutrition Services does not receive operating money from the General Fund. The operation of Nutrition Services is very similar to that of a business, with one exception. Nutrition Services must comply with very strict rules and regulations set forth by the State and Federal governments.

State and Federal governments provide reimbursement revenues to ABCUSD Nutrition Services for every complete school meal served. The amount of this reimbursement depends on the student receiving the meals. There are three separate eligibility levels: free, reduced, and paid. Information on the meal subsidy plan is sent home with every child when school begins each September, and is part of the enrollment packet given to every child who enrolls during the school year. Parents may fill out an application at any time during the school year and return it to their child's school or mail it to the District office. If the student's family income meets the government guidelines, a letter is sent to the family's mailing address notifying the parents that their children are eligible to receive free or reduced priced meals. All information supplied to the Nutrition Services Department on the application is kept confidential.

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