School Nutrition Program
Our schools, our approved food service contractor and our outside concession groups provide food services that are consistent with appropriate laws and the Districtʼs Wellness Policy and health education goals.
The Ames Community School District puts students first by providing a school nutrition program that is an integral part of the District’s total educational program.
The District’s school food services program operates under an agreement with the Food and Nutrition Bureau of the Iowa Department of Education. The Chief Financial Officer has the responsibility for managing operation of the food services program under a contract with Chartwells Dining Services.
Important Links
School Nutrition RFP Information
Nutrition Program Privacy and Non-Discrimination Statements
How to Apply For School Meal Assistance
If you would like a Spanish version of this application, email deb.milliken@ames.k12.ia.us.
Si quiere un formulario en Español, contacta deb.milliken@ames.k12.ia.us.
School Nutrition Program Objectives
- To reinforce the nutrition concepts taught in the classroom through the laboratory experience the lunchroom provides.
- To encourage students’ participation in the school food services program and to develop positive food habits in students and staff and indirectly improve food habits of all members of the family.
- To broaden students’ tastes and interest in a variety of foods and overcome individual dislikes in foods.
- To provide nutritious, well balanced, attractive meals at a reasonable cost in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and the Districtʼs Wellness Policy.
- To provide food services, as requested, for special functions within the District.
- To provide an efficient operation, emphasizing quality foods and friendly service to students and staff, to make school mealtime an enjoyable experience.
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights
regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information Braille,large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.