Mission Statement
The Mission of the Round Rock Independent School District Food Services Department is to guarantee high quality food and nutrition programs in every Round Rock school through educational support, resources, and advocacy.
Fueling Kids for Success
Food Services is completely committed to raising nutrition awareness and providing a quality food service program. Our sound food service plan takes into account the critical nutritional needs of our students, while reflecting the reality of current preferences of today's young people. Round Rock ISD Food Service Department has dedicated approximately 50 hours towards nutrition education.
We are fully aware of the recent issues surrounding school nutrition and student health issues. In fact, our commitment to nutrition awareness has been a longstanding element of our program. It is critical to start children on the right path at an early age to understand the importance of eating properly and staying healthy.
Nutrition Policy
Texas Public School Nutrition Policy
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) implemented rules and regulations regarding both Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FNMV) and "competitive foods" in 2004. These rules, still in effect today, are part of statewide efforts to promote better lifelong eating habits and to combat the increase in childhood obesity.
Foods sent from home for an individual child's consumption are not restricted; however, parents are not allowed to send food for other students' consumption unless they meet the Department of Agriculture guidelines. These guidelines outline the types of foods and the portions allowed. Additonal information is provided in the most current Texas Public School Nutrition Policy at a Glance. [pdf]
The state allows school districts to designate three days for class parties with refreshments that do not meet the state standards regarding competitive foods and foods of minimal nutritional value. In RRISD, those dates are: the day before winter break, Valentine's Day, and the last day of school.
State regulations address fundraising through the sale of food. Food fundraising is not allowed on elementary school campuses during the school day. For middle schools and high schools, the nutrition standards apply to food fundraising during the school day.
The Texas Department of Agriculture has developed a list of ideas for non-food fundraising that is available at Square Meals.org
Healthy for Life Program
We draw from an extensive database of age-segmented, dietitian-developed recipes to help Round Rock ISD meet or exceed nutrition guidelines.
| Include: |
Reduce: |
Eliminate: |
| Fresh or canned vegetables |
Fats |
Added trans fat |
| Fresh or canned fruits in light syrup or fruit juices |
Salt |
Deep fat frying |
| Low and nonfat dairy options |
Sugar |
Candy and soda |
| Salads with reduced fat dressings |
|
|
| Lean beef, chicken and fish |
|
|
| Whole grains for increased fiber |
|
|
| Reduced fat cheeses |
|
|
Our Wellness Commitments
- Serve nutritious menus that exceed current USDA requirements and meet individual state requirements for all students
- Offer foods that are rich in key nutrients: whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and low or non-fat dairy products
- Serve high-quality, safe foods that have no added trans fats and are low in total fat, salt, and sugar
- Promote breakfast participation and expand availability
- Offer healthy, nutrient dense snacks
- Source high-quality environmentally responsible, local produce and products
- Enable healthy lifestyles through nutrition awareness and education
- Create healthy school environments - recycling and green cleaning
- Advance employee knowledge and sensitivity to health and wellness education
- Provide legislative advocacy on behalf of our students
Wellness Menu Specials
ACE's Lunch Specials is the elementary program that features healthy lunch promotions, encouraging our youngest students to try new menu items, while communicating relevant nutrition and wellness messages from our nutrition mascot, ACE.
Fuel for middle and high school students, is designed to combat menu fatigue and reinforce the connection between healthy meals and performance at school and in favorite sports and activities.
Focus on Breakfast
Numerous studies have shown that breakfast improves attendance, behavior, and performance in school. Developing the breakfast habit at an early age also helps students maintain a healthy lifestyle. A well-balanced breakfast provides the fuel their bodies demand to stay energized and alert throughout the day, while eliminating the desire to overindulge between meals.
AMP up with Breakfast is a comprehensive breakfast program which provides students with an opportunity to jump start their days with a healthy and nutritious meal. The program includes a variety of great-tasting morning favorites that are fun, portable, nutritious, and delicious including:
- Fresh and whole fruits
- Hot wholesome foods
- Whole grain cold cereals
- 100% fruit juices
- Packaged breakfast snacks
Nutrition Education is "CATCHing" On...
As part of Round Rock ISD Food Services Commitment to health and wellness education, the department has continued to support and promote the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH). This comprehensive program brings together teachers, administrators, parents, and food services to promote healthy eating habits and increased physical activity.
RRISD Food Services has included in all elementary and middle school signage reflecting the CATCH approach to food labeling to help children make better choices based on nutrition. Use the same labels at home to reinforce healthy eating habits all the time.
CATCH Food Labeling Approach:
Green "GO" Foods are good to eat almost anytime. These are the healthier choices with the lowest fat and/or sugars.
Yellow "SLOW" Foods are "sometimes" foods and should be eaten in moderation. They are higher in fat and/or sugar and may be processed.
Red "WHOA" Foods should only be eaten occasionally and are best when combined with "GO" foods. These items have the highest fat and/or sugar content.