Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District provides a complementary breakfast and lunch to all students each school day.
Starting in January, our school cafeterias will no longer offer a la carte snack sales. This change will help us better support our school meal program and ensure that all students receive nutritious, well-balanced meals each day.
Between now and the end of December, we’ll gradually phase out remaining snack items and focus on encouraging students to participate in the main lunch program, which offers greater value and complete nutrition.
This transition will help us:
Serve healthier, more balanced meals that meet all nutritional standards, while incorporating some of students’ favorite “smart snacks and beverages.”
Streamline kitchen operations for improved organization and efficiency.
Allow staff to focus on fresh, scratch-cooked meals and healthy choices such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and whole grains.
Reduce waste and inventory issues by using existing items before the change.
We appreciate your support as we make this positive shift to better nourish our students and simplify cafeteria service.
If your child has money in their cafeteria account, they will be reimbursed in the upcoming months.
Transitioning to a Cashless System and Discontinuation of Second Meals-
As we transition to a cashless system, we will also need to discontinue the sale of second meals to students. Staff members (such as teachers or other employees) may still add funds to their accounts online for an additional fee or via check.
Students will always be encouraged to take extra fruits and vegetables at no additional cost if they are still hungry.
Offering or charging for second meals can contribute to increased calorie intake and is not aligned with USDA nutritional guidelines for school meals. Additionally, discontinuing second meals ensures fairness and equitable access for all students, while also helping us manage food waste and food service costs.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to provide free nutritious, balanced meals to all students.
