Food Services Team

We want to take this opportunity to provide you with ongoing updates about the food service program at North Palos School District 117 and that OrganicLife is proudly serving the students of the district in this new school year 2022-2023. As you may be aware effective July 1, 2012, the federal government updated its requirements for meals served as part of the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. While we have always had high nutrition standards for the meals we serve, our menus are designed to ensure that students receive balanced meals comprised of foods from all major food groups in the right proportions to meet calorie and other nutrient needs. Some of the changes that we have made when selecting a school meal include:

• More and better-tasting whole grains. All grain items we serve are whole grain. For example, breads and rolls and pizza crust.
• An increased portion of fruits and vegetables. Students are now required to take at least ½ cup of fruit or vegetable with each lunch meal.
• Flavored milk is only available as skim. Unflavored (white) milk is 1% and (chocolate) is skim.

Based on continuous feedback from students across the districts we serve, our dedicated team of dietitians and culinary professionals continue to adjust our menus to best meet the tastes of our students. While the selections we offer may sound the same because they are ‘kid-favorites,’ many of the recipes have been modified to reduce fats, salt and sugar, and to add more fiber. For example, whole grain chicken nuggets, turkey hot dogs, all beef patty meet the new standards.

It's no secret that good nutrition is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle and peak mental and physical performance. We are proud to serve balanced, nutritious meals that provide the fuel your child needs to succeed. At home, you can reinforce our ongoing efforts to improve student health and well-being by: reviewing the cafeteria menu with your child and encouraging your child to try new foods at school. So please have your student join us for lunch!