Pomperaug Regional School District 15

How long is my child's lunch period?

What is the policy on my child bringing in peanuts or peanut butter?

Can my high school student leave the building during lunch time?

What is the policy on bringing in snacks, cupcakes, or other items to celebrate a child's birthday?

How are lunch prices set?

Can a parent or caregiver eat lunch at school with a student?

What are the governmental recommendations regarding food and wellness?

What are Region 15's policies and regulations regarding the food service department and payments?

How long is my child’s lunch period?

Students have approximately 20-25 minutes for their lunch period at the elementary and middle school levels, followed by an inside or outside recess period. High school students have approximately 45 minutes for their lunch block.

What is the policy on my child bringing in peanuts or peanut butter?

There is no district-wide policy against nut products, including peanut butter, in Region 15 schools, however the Food Service department does not serve any peanut products due to the increased number of students with nut-related food allergies. Please check with your child’s principal for additional guidance on this matter.

Can my high school student leave the building during lunchtime?

Students may not leave or enter the cafeteria without passes except during passing times. No student is allowed to leave the building during the lunch period.

What is the policy on bringing in snacks, cupcakes, or other items to celebrate a child's birthday?

Region 15 does not ban the practice of allowing students to bring in snacks, cupcakes or other items to celebrate their birthday with their fellow classmates. However, in order to continue what the students have learned about healthy food and lifestyle choices, students are encouraged to bring in healthful snack alternatives to cakes and sweets. Birthdays can be celebrated with creative food items or inexpensive memorabilia (pencils, stickers, etc.) Please check with your school principal for further details.

How are lunch prices set?

Lunch prices are set by the Region 15 Board of Education and are adjusted occasionally to reflect the fluctuating costs of food, labor, and medical benefits. The Region 15 lunch program is self-supporting and does not receive any money from the school budget. Federal and state reimbursements along with government commodities help offset the cost of lunches for students.

Can a parent or caregiver eat lunch at school with a student?

Yes. Any parent or caregiver can call the school in the morning to order from the menu and eat lunch with a student. The cost for the adult’s lunch is higher than the student’s cost. The adult must pay cash and cannot use the child's lunch account card.

What are the governmental recommendations regarding food and wellness?

Americans should eat more fruits and vegetables and less sugar, and limit salt intake. The federal government updated Americans’ nutrition and exercise needs, which supersedes the Food Pyramid, to help Americans make wise health and exercise decisions. The Dietary Guidelines are designed to help Americans choose diets that will meet nutrient requirements, promote health, support active lives and reduce risks of chronic disease.

In 2004, President Bush signed the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization of 2004 into law, making it mandatory that every school district produces a wellness policy to promote health and reduce childhood obesity. Region 15 established a district wellness policy to encourage healthy eating and physical activity.

What are Region 15's policies and regulations regarding the food service department and payments?

Cafeteria rules, online and/or cash payments, and other policies are detailed in the Region 15 Cafeteria Policy document.