Our Commitment to Nutritious Meals
Balanced and Wholesome: Our meals are designed to be balanced and wholesome, incorporating a variety of essential nutrients to support your child’s health and academic performance.
Diverse Menus: We offer a variety of meal options to cater to different tastes and dietary requirements, making sure every student can enjoy their meal.
Nutritional Guidelines: We adhere to comprehensive nutritional standards set by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), aligned with federal guidelines to ensure our meals are of the highest quality.
Important Information for Returning Students
- ALL RETURNING STUDENTS MUST FILL OUT A NEW APPLICATION BY SEPTEMBER 30TH or their status will automatically be changed to full price until an application is submitted.
- Only one application is required per household, listing all students attending Alpha Academy.
- Ensure a current and active email address is on file to receive notifications about negative balances and other important information from the department.
Meal Pricing
At Alpha Academy, we are committed to ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals. The standard meal price is $4.50. However, families have the opportunity to apply for the Free & Reduced (F&R) program. By completing the F&R application and meeting the eligibility criteria, students can receive meals at a reduced cost or even for free, ensuring that every student has access to healthy food options regardless of their financial situation.
Understanding Our Meal Programs
Here, you’ll find detailed information about our meal programs, including:
Menus: Weekly and monthly menus to help you and your child plan their meals.
Nutritional Guidelines: Information on the nutritional standards we follow, ensuring each meal supports your child’s health.
School Nutrition Initiatives: Updates on our latest initiatives to promote healthy eating habits and well-being among our students.
Federal and State Nutritional Standards
Federal Guidelines
We follow the USDA’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) guidelines to ensure our meals provide:
Age-Appropriate Calorie Counts
Proper Portion Sizes
A Variety of Essential Nutrients: Including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
Limited Saturated Fats, Trans Fats, Sodium, and Added Sugars
State-Specific Standards
North Carolina has implemented additional standards to enhance federal guidelines, focusing on:
Fresh and Local Produce: Incorporating locally grown fruits and vegetables for fresher, more nutritious options.
Nutrition Education: Teaching students about healthy eating habits and the benefits of a balanced diet.
Smart Snacks in Schools: Regulating the nutritional content of snacks and beverages sold on school campuses to ensure they contribute positively to students’ dietary needs.
Menu Planning and Training
Diverse Dietary Needs: Our menus cater to students with food allergies or specific dietary restrictions.
Professional Development: Continuous training for our nutrition staff ensures they are knowledgeable and able to implement nutritional standards effectively.
Monitoring and Compliance
NCDPI regularly monitors our meal programs to ensure compliance with nutritional standards. We undergo periodic reviews and audits, with feedback mechanisms in place to address any issues or improvements needed.
Benefits of Following Nutritional Standards
By following these rigorous nutritional standards, we aim to foster a healthy school environment where students can thrive both academically and physically. Here are some benefits:
Improved Academic Performance: Balanced meals enhance cognitive function, concentration, and memory.
Enhanced Physical Health: Reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related diseases.
Better Eating Habits: Encourages lifelong healthy eating habits.
Support for Local Agriculture: Boosts the local economy and provides fresher food options.
Decreased Food Insecurity: Ensures all students have access to nutritious meals.
Positive Social and Emotional Well-being: Contributes to better mood and behavior.
Reduced Absenteeism and Health Issues: Healthy meals lead to fewer illnesses.
Nutrition Education: Empowers students with knowledge about healthy eating.
Compliance and Accountability: Regular checks ensure high food quality and safety.
Holistic Development: Supports physical, emotional, and social growth.
Community Engagement: Promotes understanding and support of local agriculture.
We are committed to fostering a healthy eating environment and look forward to supporting your child’s educational journey with wholesome food choices. Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s nutrition.
