Welcome to Food & Nutrition Services!

At Sunman Dearborn Food and Nutrition Services, we know that good nutrition and learning go hand in hand!

The Nutrition Services department is made up of a team of food and nutrition professionals that are dedicated to students' health, well being and their ability to learn. We support learning by promoting healthy habits for lifelong nutrition and fitness practices.

Meals, foods, and beverages sold or served at schools meet state and federal requirements which are based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines. We provide students with access to a variety of affordable and appealing foods that meet the health and nutrition needs of students.

Our Mission

The mission of Sunman Dearborn Community Schools Food Service Department is to provide nutritious and healthful choices to students and staff throughout the school day that support learning and physical development.

Our Vision

Sunman-Dearborn Community Schools Food and Nutrition Services will be the premier provider of nutritionally-complete, low-cost, delicious meals to students and staff. Promoting health through nutrition education and modeling well-balanced meals will be a top priority. Overall, the Department of Food Services will partner with agriculture, food, media, education and health communities as well as local businesses to support and encourage a healthy school environment.

Facilities

We operate 1 cafeteria at each of our 5 schools in the district. We serve over 3,000 well-balanced meals each day.

National School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program

Our district participates in both the National School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program. Through these programs, free or reduced-cost meals are available to children whose families meet certain income criteria. Applications are available at all school offices and online under the Free and reduced Application tab.  All application information is confidential.

School Breakfast Components

The school breakfast must contribute an average of 1/4 of the Recommended Dietary Allowances for protein, iron, calcium and Vitamins A and C each week. 

The meals are planned to meet the guidelines established by the Child Nutrition Program of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. We use the Traditional Food-Based Menu Planning Option.

Offer vs. Serve

Breakfast and Lunch at all of our schools provide Offer versus Serve.  For an explanation of Offer vs. Serve, CLICK HERE

Finger Scanners

For more information about the Finger Scanners, please CLICK HERE!

Birthday Celebration and Classroom Party Treat Program

Parents of Elementary Students can purchase Birthday Treats through the Cafeteria.  These treats will be delivered to the classroom on the requested date. FORMS must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance.  Please contact the Food and Nutrition Services Manager at your child's school with questions.

Smart Snacks

All snacks provided to students during the school day, including birthday treats and classroom parties, must meet the Smart Snack Standards set by the USDA.  Smart Snacks can be purchased from the cafeteria, grocery store or even Amazon.   This will be strictly enforced at all of our schools.  For questions, please contact your student's school or Cheryl Erhart, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at 812-623-2291 ext. 13809.