• Fullerton School District Enhances Free School Meals with Innovation and Inclusivity

    FSD Nutrition Services TEAM
    FSD’s Nutrition Services team thinks outside of the (lunch) box when it comes to student meal service.

    Fullerton School District’s (FSD) Nutrition Services team is dedicated to making free school meals both nutritious and enjoyable for the district’s more than 11,400 students in preschool through 8th grade.

    As a participant in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), FSD ensures that students in the community have continued access to free meals. A key requirement of the program is notifying local media to help spread awareness. However, FSD Nutrition Services stands out beyond fulfilling this obligation by continuously finding creative ways to enhance students’ dining experiences.

    From student and family taste-testing events to sourcing locally and ethically produced ingredients, the team takes an innovative approach to school meals. One of its recent initiatives, the BBQ Road Tour, brings a sensory experience to students with a custom-branded grill trailer, allowing them to see, hear, and smell barbecue cooking right on campus. To add to the excitement, these events feature school-friendly music, creating a lively and engaging mealtime atmosphere.


    FSD Nutrition services BBQ Road Tour highlights at Woodcrest Elementary School.

     

    During the 2024 holiday season, FSD introduced "Berry Buddy," a student-named Elf on the Shelf, to promote nutrition and wellness tips while highlighting the district’s thoughtfully made scratch-cooked meals. Additionally, the department continues to engage students with creative social media campaigns, a Harvest of the Month calendar art competition, and other interactive activities aimed at fostering healthy eating habits and wellness routines.

     

    FSD Nutrition Services Buddy Berry 
    FSD Nutrition Services helps engage families through its Instagram page @fsdnutrition and other creative campaign initiatives.

     

    In a new initiative reflecting its commitment to inclusivity, FSD will offer daily meal kits during the observance of Ramadan, aligning with a recently introduced California state waiver. These kits, which include both breakfast and lunch, will be available for students who are fasting and can be picked up at their school’s front office at the end of each school day. Parents are encouraged to complete a request form located on the department’s website by March 7, 2025, to ensure adequate meal preparation throughout the month.

    By combining innovation, inclusivity, and a focus on student well-being, FSD Nutrition Services continues to set a high standard for school meal programs, ensuring that every student has access to meals that are both nourishing and enjoyable. To learn more about FSD’s Nutrition Services, please visit https://www.fullertonnutrition.org/.

    The Fullerton School District (FSD) is located in northern Orange County, California, and serves over 11,400 students in transitional kindergarten (TK) through eighth grade. FSD is home to 15 elementary schools, two TK through eighth-grade schools, three junior high schools, and a distance learning and home school program. FSD features unique programs for students, including a Dual Language Academy for Spanish and Korean languages; a Performance Academy Sports Program that offers a traditional in-person learning experience with time for advanced athletic training integrated into the school day; and robust before, after, and summer school programs. The mission of the Fullerton School District is to work collaboratively with the community to provide an innovative, high-quality educational experience for all students in a safe learning environment. FSD is an equal-opportunity employer. Its motto, “Great Schools - Successful Kids,” signifies that all FSD students will be given the tools and instruction to achieve academic excellence, hone interpersonal skills, and develop technological expertise to contribute as productive citizens in a democratic society. 

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