School Meals and Menus

San Juan Unified follows USDA nutritional guidelines for breakfast and lunch.

State health authorities have not issued any warning against eating California-grown lettuce or fresh greens. Although San Juan Unified purchases California-grown produce only, to ensure the continued safety of our meal program, lettuce will not be included in school menus during August. While no issues have been identified within our California schools, we are taking this precautionary step in light of recent food safety concerns involving lettuce supplies. We appreciate your understanding and support.

Q: Are the meals provided by San Juan Unified halal or kosher?

A: San Juan Unified is offering a halal-certified bean and cheese burrito on the menu at all district schools, as well as vegan options.

Additionally, the district has launched a pilot program offering several other halal-certified meal options from Oct. 7 through Oct. 31 at three school sites — Starr King K-8, Dyer-Kelly Elementary School and Encina High School.

Items included in the halal pilot, such as the chicken pretzel dog, are sourced from trusted vendors with official halal certification. A letter “H” appears next to these items on printed menus for easy identification.

Currently, no kosher meals are available. The district continues to explore opportunities to expand meal options to meet the diverse dietary needs of our students and families.

Q: Do we have to pay for school meals?

A: Under the State of California Universal Meals Program, all students can receive one breakfast and one lunch at no cost every school day throughout the 2023-24 school year. 

Q: Can my student pay cash for a second meal?

A: Yes, students can pay cash for second meals.

Q: Are meals provided over holidays/non-school days?

A: Meals are provided at select dates and school sites over the summer. However, meals are not provided over holidays/non-school days. 

Q: Are there alternative options for students with dietary restrictions?

A: USDA regulations require substitutions or modifications in school meals for children whose disabilities restrict their diets. A child with a disability must be provided substitutions in foods when that need is supported by a signed statement from a licensed physician. Learn more at www.sanjuan.edu/schoolmeals. 

Q: Can my student take their meal to-go if they have an early dismissal?

A: No, meals must be consumed on site, with the exception of approved field trips.

USDA Regulation 7 CFR Part 15b requires substitutions or modifications in school meals for children whose disabilities restrict their diets. A child with a disability must be provided substitutions in foods when that need is supported by a signed statement from a licensed physician.

Generally, children with food allergies or intolerances do not have a disability as defined under either Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or Part B of IDEA, and the school food service may, but is not required to, make food substitutions for them.  However, when in the licensed physician’s assessment, food allergies may result in severe, life-threatening (anaphylactic) reactions, the child’s condition would meet the definition of “disability”, and the substitutions prescribed by the licensed physician must be made.

School food service may make food substitutions, at their discretion, for individual children who do not have a disability, but who are medically certified as having a special medical or dietary need.  Such determinations are only made on a case-by-case basis.  This provision covers those children who have food intolerances or allergies, but do not have life-threatening reactions (anaphylactic reactions) when exposed to the food(s) to which they have problems. Find the latest Food Allergen Worksheet here.

Each special dietary request must be supported by a medical statement explaining the requested food substitution and must be signed by a recognized medical authority. The Medical Statement must include:

• An identification of the medical or other special dietary condition which restricts the child’s diet;
• The food or foods to be omitted from the child’s diet; and
• The food or choice of foods to be substituted.

If we do not receive a completed Medical Statement from a recognized medical authority, your child will receive a regular meal tray. A new Medical Statement must be turned in whenever there is a change to your child's condition, or any new dietary modifications needed. Medical Statements not signed by the recognized medical authority will not be accepted.