Meal Program

Alta Public Schools Meal Program

Alta Public Schools Meal Program is proud to serve as an approved School Food Authority (SFA) in California. Through this designation, we operate the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) across ten public K–12 schools. Our district serves a diverse student population, many of whom live in communities where access to affordable, healthy food is limited. Because many of our campuses are located in recognized “food deserts,” our commitment to providing nutritious meals plays a vital role in supporting student health, wellness, and academic success.

We manage all administrative and compliance requirements, provide ongoing staff training, and oversee daily food service operations to ensure every student has access to high-quality, nutritious meals. Our goal is to create a welcoming dining environment and support lifelong healthy eating habits by offering fresh, appealing meals every day.

Commitment to AB 1871

Alta Public Schools fully complies with the AB 1871 mandate, ensuring that all students receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch each school day at no cost. Students participating in the Alta Public Schools Extended Learning Program also receive a healthy supper meal after school, helping meet the nutritional needs of students who spend extended hours on campus.

Beginning in the 2021–22 school year, Alta Public Schools introduced a districtwide breakfast and salad bar option for all students. These salad bars provide a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and wholesome toppings, giving students more opportunities to choose nutritious foods and learn about building balanced meals.

Free Meals for All Students

Families do not need to complete a Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application. Instead, parents will complete a simplified Income Verification Form. Regardless of household income, all students will continue to receive school meals at no cost. This ensures that every child in our district has consistent access to nourishing food throughout the school year.

Families are encouraged to reach out to their school office with any questions or for assistance completing the Income Verification Form.

Summer Meal Program

In addition to school-year meal services, Alta Public Schools offers free summer meals to students participating in school-run summer programs. Students enrolled in these programs receive breakfast and lunch each day at no cost. This ensures that children who rely on school meals during the academic year continue to have consistent access to nutritious food during the summer months as well.

Farm to School Program

Alta Public Schools proudly supports a robust Farm to School program that connects students to fresh, locally grown food and hands-on learning experiences. Through Harvest of the Month tastings, nutrition lessons, and our Garden Ranger program, students explore where their food comes from while tending to thriving school gardens. By incorporating local produce into our meals and educational activities, we promote healthy eating habits, agricultural literacy, and a deeper appreciation for California’s food system.