ਅਨੁਵਾਦ, перевод, ترجمة, prevod, 翻译, Traduction, Übersetzung, Traducción,

Food Nutrition

A successful nutrition program is a key component to a successful educational environment. Students cannot focus on learning when they are hungry. School meals boost learning, and studies show that students perform best academically when they are well nourished. School districts around the State did an incredible job, with tremendous community support, in ensuring that students received nutritious meals while schools were closed this past year. No child should ever go hungry, and school reopening plans must provide for the feeding of all students who require food assistance. As school food service operations transition from serving meals during unanticipated school closures and summer meals to serving school meals, School Food Authorities (SFAs) will need to consider national, state, and local health and safety guidelines. The following section outlines the food service program for the Rome City School District.

SCHOOL BREAKFAST/LUNCH SERVICE (IN-PERSON LEARNING)

As we reopen our schools in September 2020, students will once again need to be fed in our buildings. All students will be required to wash their hands before and after all meals. Also, the sharing of food items is strictly prohibited at the current time. Sharing of food is a significant concern for exposure or the spreading of COVID-19. During the 2020-2021 school year, all breakfast meals will be served in a “grab and go” style with students grabbing a bag breakfast during dismissal, to be eaten at home the following morning. This will save time to start each school day and require less cleaning of our facilities on a daily basis. At this time, students in elementary grade levels (preK-6), will be eating their meals in their classroom. Meals will be delivered to each classroom in an attempt to minimize student traffic throughout the hallways. For secondary students (7-12), the scheduling of meals in the classroom may present a significant challenge. It is anticipated that all efforts will be made to develop a master schedule that allows for secondary students to lunch in their classroom, as close to being cohorted as possible. These provisions will be frequently re-evaluated throughout the year to determine if any easing of restrictions can take place based on DOH and SED guidance/protocols.

During the public health emergency, meal benefits have been available to many students that may not usually have access to free meals. As school returns, it will be important for families to note that all meals may not be available at no cost to all children. Please review the Free and Reduced Lunch Application section below for more information about how you may qualify for this benefit. The Rome City School District is exploring the option to apply for the Community Eligibility Program through the Federal government, which would provide free breakfast and lunch to all students within the Rome City School District, regardless of income level. Please stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.

SCHOOL BREAKFAST/LUNCH SERVICE (REMOTE LEARNING)

Students who are participating in the remote learning option for the 2020-2021 school year are also eligible for school breakfast and lunch. It is important to note that students who are choosing to obtain a meal from their school during this time WILL NOT be permitted to enter the school facility to obtain their meals. Consistent with our current Grab and Go meal program, each school will designate a location and time for students/families to pick-up their meals. Students will receive lunch for the day and then a breakfast for the following day. Any student/family that needs to participate in this program should contact their building principal or the food services department.

SAFETY AND SANITATION

All cafeteria surfaces will be completely wiped down and disinfected between each student (cohort) use;
Serving line surfaces will be completely wiped down and disinfected between each student (cohort) use;
Protective barriers will be installed at the point of sale/point of pickup to minimize the spread of germs;
Adequate supplies of face masks, soap, hand sanitizer, and tissues will be available in the kitchen and cafeteria;
All staff will be required to wear single-use gloves when handling or delivering all foods;
All staff will be required to wear a disposable apron when handling or delivering foods;
Only food services staff and custodians (for cleaning purposes only) will be permitted in school kitchens.

FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATION

These programs are provided to families to help stretch their dollars throughout these tough times. The food services department advises that everyone try to take advantage of the Free and Reduced program. We will answer any questions and help you through any of the following programs. The most important thing to remember with these programs is that we want to provide each student with a great tasting meal that is very nutritious. We encourage ALL families to apply for this program. For more information on the Free and Reduced Lunch Program, please contact our Food Services Department or visit our website at https://www.romecsd.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=695465&pageId=1882849

CAFETERIAS

All cafeterias will be cleaned routinely by custodial staff. Tables, chairs, serving lines, and high touch surfaces will be wiped down and disinfected between each student (cohort) use. Cafeteria set-up will promote student social distancing to the greatest extent possible. All utensil stations, condiment stations, buffet style stations, etc. will not be utilized in our cafeterias this year. These provisions will be frequently re-evaluated throughout the year to determine if any easing of restrictions can take placed based on DOH and SED guidance/protocols.

HAND HYGIENE

All students will be required to wash their hands before and after every meal while in school. All food services workers will wear gloves at all times while handling food, and will wash their hands before and after putting gloves on.

FOOD ALLERGIES

As it is during a normal year, any student who has specific food allergies will be provided a location within the cafeteria to eat their meal that is free of potential exposure to the food item of concern. Parents/students with food allergies that prefer this accommodation should speak with their school’s nurse to ensure that all proper precautions are taken.

CONNECTED COMMUNITY SCHOOLS FOOD PANTRY

The Rome Alliance for Education and the Connected Community Schools organization continue to operate a food pantry for the families of the Rome community. The food pantry will be located at Staley Elementary School, 620 Bloomfield Road, Rome, NY. Due to visitor restrictions, the pantry will not be open to community members for use during normal school hours. Community members may visit the pantry between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. Also, all visitors must complete the Health Screening Assessment and perform a temperature check. While utilizing the pantry, community members are only permitted access to that specific room and must use the entrance/exit nearest the pantry. More information on the food pantry, including their schedule and entrance/exit door will be available prior to the start of school.

FOOD SERVICES RESOURCES

The NYSED Child Nutrition Office website ~ (http://www.cn.nysed.gov/)

USDA Food and Nutrition Service ~ (https://www.fns.usda.gov/)

Institute of Child Nutrition ~ (https://theicn.org/)

New York State Department of Health Food Safety Guidance ~ (https://www.health.ny.gov)

CDC Guidance for Schools ~ (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus)

CONTACTS

Mr. Christopher Whitmore

Director of Food Services

95 Dart Circle, Rome, NY 13440

cwhitmore@romecsd.org ~ 315.338.6555

https://www.romecsd.org/district/food_services

Page updated

Report abuse