FOOD SERVICE
Dear SJCSD Families,
As a result of COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing nationwide disruptions to manufacturing, supply and distribution channels. You may have experienced this yourself when you’ve tried to order something online or buy something in the store and what you’re looking for isn’t available right now.
We are also experiencing a labor shortage. This is also a trend across all industries throughout our nation.
What does this mean for school meals? In short, it means that we’re having trouble getting foods, supplies and staff to support our program. Your student(s) may notice that we’re serving different items than we’ve served in the past or different items than were listed on the menu.
This situation is something that school districts all across the country are experiencing. We are doing our best every day to come up with solutions to these challenges.
Opting into the USDA waiver providing no cost meals for all students has placed extreme demand on an already fragile supply chain and labor force. The waiver intended to assist communities and school food service programs with recovery from the effects of the pandemic. St. Johns County is fortunate and appears to be recovering well per economical indices.
In an effort to reduce the demand on our supply chain and labor shortage, the St. Johns County School District will return to normal food service operations. Students who qualify for free or reduced meals based on direct certification or a family income application will continue to receive meals at no or reduced costs. Students who are not eligible based on income will return to a PAID status. This return to normal operations will occur on December 1, 2021. Beginning today, October 25 through November 30, families are encouraged to complete the family lunch application if they feel they qualify for free or reduced cost meals.
Online and printable applications are located on the SJCSD Website at https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/food/free/ . Applications are also available at your student’s school or the Food and Nutrition Services Office located at 3015 Lewis Speedway, Building 7, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
Eligibility status is protected by very strict disclosure regulations. Students use a PIN or Student ID in the serving line. The student’s eligibility is private throughout the transaction.
If your students attend a Community Eligibility Program School, there is no need to complete an application. All students will continue to receive no cost meals through the end of the school year. These schools are as follows: Webster Elementary, Crookshank Elementary, Osceola Elementary, South Woods Elementary, Mason Elementary, The Transitions School, Gamble Rogers Middle School, Murray Middle School, Sebastian Middle School and St. Johns Technical High School.
Beginning December 1, 2021 Meal Prices will be:
Breakfast Lunch
Elementary: Paid $1.25 $2.80
Reduced $0.30 $0.40
Middle/High: Paid $1.25 $2.95
Reduced $0.30 $0.40
We will continue serving our students a variety of nutritious foods. While there may be some menu changes, please know that we will strive to meet nutrition guidelines set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). All schools that operate the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program must follow these guidelines. We will also continue to accommodate students with special diets and allergies.
We remain committed to providing our students with the nutritious meals they need to grow and learn. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
If you have questions, please contact the Student Nutrition Services Department at 904-547-8931.
Sincerely,
Sean Prevatt
Director of Food and Nutrition Services
