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Food Service
Food Service
Meal Charging Procedures
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) requires school food authorities to establish written administrative guidelines and procedures for meal charges. Smith-Green Community School Food Services is concerned whenever circumstances beyond a child’s control, such as not having money on hand or in their lunch account, prevent the child from receiving a regular school meal. Meal charging is not encouraged, but we understand it may be necessary on occasion.
For more information, read SGCS Meal Charging Procedures.
Menus
January 2026
Free and Reduced Lunch
Families can apply for free and reduced lunches through our SGCS Family Portal by selecting “Apply for Benefits.” You can also access a copy of the application online by clicking here.
Breakfast Information
Breakfast is available daily to all Smith-Green Community Schools’ students, beginning at 7:45 am. When there is a school delay, breakfast will not be available.
SGCS Family Portal
Put money on your student’s lunch account through the Smith-Green Community Schools’ Meal Magic Family Portal.
Offer vs. Serve at Lunch
Our school nutrition department participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and implements “Offer vs Serve.” Offer versus Service (OVS) allows students to decline some of the food offered as part of a complete meal. The goals of Offer vs Serve are to reduce food waste in the school nutrition program and to allow students more customization of the meal they select.
Even though the school participates in Offer versus Serve, students are not required to decline items; in fact they’re encouraged to take all five food groups, but the choice is up to them! If your student comes home and says they did not get enough to eat at lunch, ask if they are taking all of the food group offerings.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the offered menu.
Keep in mind that some cafeterias offer multiple options within each food group. Sitting down with young children to review the menu ahead of time will help ensure they are prepared as they come to the cafeteria for lunch.
Understanding the Lunch Line
All schools are required by USDA guidelines to have adequate signage posted in the cafeteria and on the serving line to help explain how students can create a complete meal. The friendly staff at your child’s school are happy to help as well.
At lunch, all students have the opportunity to choose from menu items that fall within five important food groups, including milk, protein, fruits, vegetables, and grains. While the most nutritious lunch contains all of the offered items, we understand that sometimes our students do not like some of the items we serve. To make our customers happy, we like to give them the option to decline items they do not want to eat.
Out of the five food groups your student is offered, they must choose at least three food groups to make a complete meal. One of the selections must be at least ½ cup of fruit or vegetables.
Example Menu for Lunch: Chicken Soft Taco ½ cup Black Beans ½ cup Fiesta Corn ½ cup Strawberries ½ cup Diced Peaches 8 oz. of Milk
With Offer Versus Serve at lunch, your student could choose:
- Chicken Soft Taco and Fiesta Corn (Protein + Grain + Vegetables = 3 food groups)
- Chicken Soft Taco, Strawberries, and Milk (Protein + Grain + Fruit + Milk = 4 food groups)
- Black Beans, Fiesta Corn, Strawberries and Milk ( Vegetables + Vegetables + Fruit + Milk = 4 food groups)
We Have History.
Our district's first schoolhouse was built in 1852 and is now a beloved local landmark.
We Have Success.
We have a 99%+ graduation rate - a testament to our dedicated teachers and motivated students.
