Food Policies

Student Lunch Policy

At this time, students may bring lunch from home. To ensure the safety and security of everyone in the building, all lunches brought from home must comply with the following requirements:

1. Lunch Containers

· Lunches must be packed in a sealed lunch box or similar closed container.

2. Food and Beverage Requirements

• All food and beverages must be individually sized and factory sealed.
• A 12-ounce bottled drink is considered an individual-sized beverage.
• Family-sized bags of chips, snacks, or other food items are not permitted.
• Large bottles or containers of beverages are not permitted.

Excessive amounts of snacks, including chips, candy, or similar items, are not allowed. These items will be confiscated by the Dean of Students and returned to the student at dismissal.

3. Sealed Items

• All food and beverage items must remain sealed when entering the building.
• Opened or unsealed items will not be permitted.

4. Lunch Collection and Storage

· After security clearance, the Dean of Students will transport approved lunches to the designated cafeteria storage area.

· If the Dean of Students is unavailable, the Center Leader or a member of the support staff will perform this duty.

5. Unsealed Items

· Unsealed or opened food and beverage items will not be stored in the security area.

· Such items will be confiscated by the Dean of Students and returned to the student at the end of the school day.

· Students will not be permitted to consume confiscated items during lunch.

6. School-Provided Meals

· Free lunch is available to all students through SCCPSS.

· Students are encouraged to participate in the school lunch program.

7. Outside Restaurant Food

· Food from restaurants, including fast-food establishments, is not permitted.

Exception: Store-bought, factory-sealed food items may be brought for an approved classroom or school celebration with prior approval from the Center Leader or Dean of Students. Homemade food items are not permitted due to food safety concerns and potential allergic reactions.

Communication

All communication concerning student lunches will go through the Dean of Students.

Policy Review

If the process of screening outside lunches creates security concerns or significantly disrupts student arrival procedures, the school reserves the right to discontinue allowing lunches from home.

Medical Exceptions

Students with documented medical or dietary needs may bring lunch from home when supported by written documentation from a licensed healthcare provider. These lunches must still comply with the applicable security and packaging requirements outlined in this policy whenever possible.