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School Nutrition FAQ's

kids holding food trays
 

🍎 How do you ensure meals are healthy and balanced?

Answer:
Meals meet strict USDA nutrition standards, including limits on calories, sodium, and fat, while emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Cherokee County School Nutrition has two Registered Dietitians on staff who help design our menus to be healthy and appealing to students.

🍽️ What makes a complete meal?

Breakfast Requirements

A complete breakfast includes:

  • Entrée (grain)
  • Milk
  • Fruit or Juice
  • Additional item

✅ Students may decline 1 item, but they must select at least 3 of the 4 items.
✅ One of the selected items must be a fruit or juice.

Lunch Requirements

A complete lunch includes:

  • Meat/Meat Alternate
  • Grain
  • Vegetable
  • Fruit
  • Milk

✅ Students may decline 2 components, but must choose at least 3 of the 5 components.
✅ One selected component must be a fruit or vegetable.
✅ Milk is optional and may be declined.

🥛 Do students have to take milk with a meal if they don’t like it?

Answer:
Milk must be offered with every meal, but students are not required to take it. They may decline milk if they choose.

🥛 What if my student is lactose intolerant?

Answer:
We offer lactose-free milk to any student with lactose intolerance. Please contact your school nutrition manager to request lactose-free milk.

💧 Why isn’t water included as a beverage with school meals?

Answer:
While water is always available to students during the school day via hydration stations/water fountains, it is not recognized as a meal component or food group. USDA regulations do not allow water to be counted as part of a school meal.

⚠️ How are food allergies handled in the cafeteria?

Answer:
We take food allergies seriously and follow strict food safety protocols. Parents should notify the school and provide medical documentation so meal accommodations can be made safely.

🥗 Can my student bring lunch from home and still purchase milk or snacks?

Answer:
Yes, students may bring lunch from home and can still purchase milk or approved à la carte items if they have funds in their account.

💳 How can I prepay for my student’s meals?

We offer several convenient payment options:

  • Online Payments:
    Visit: linqconnect.com
    More details are available under the “Prices & Payment” section.
  • Cash:
    Send cash in an envelope labeled with:
    • Student name
    • Student ID number
    • Homeroom teacher
    • Amount enclosed
  • Check:
    Clearly write the student’s name and ID number on the check.

📌 If paying for multiple students (non-online), please send a separate envelope for each child.

🔒 Can I restrict what my student buys in the cafeteria?

Answer:
Yes! By subscribing to LinQConnect, you can:

  • View detailed meal purchase history
  • Monitor purchases such as snacks, drinks, and extra items

This tool helps families guide students toward healthier choices.

💰 What happens to leftover funds at the end of the school year?

Any remaining balance will stay in the student’s account and be available for use the following school year.

🏫 What happens to account balances when a student transfers schools?

Answer:
Balances transfer automatically to the new school within 24 hours after enrollment is processed.

✔ Applies to:

  • Mid-year transfers
  • Transitions between elementary, middle, and high school

🔄 How do I request a refund or transfer funds?

If your student graduates or leaves the district:

  • Funds will remain in the account unless action is taken
  • To request a refund or transfer funds:
    • Use the Refund / Transfer / Pay It Forward Form