The Child Nutrition Program is a national program that is mandated by state and federal regulations.  The policies and procedures of the program reflect these regulations along with the short term and long term goals of the Vermilion Parish School System.  The Child Nutrition Program is an essential part in promoting student health, and is dedicated to the overall well-being of all the students within the district. 

Our department recognizes and understands that proper nutrition is essential in the educational process of students.  Students need to eat breakfast and lunch every day to meet their full potential in the classroom.  All meals served are high in quality, and are nutritionally balanced according to national guidelines. 

In recognizing the importance and the direct effect of food on the mind and body, our meals incorporate, calorie ranges, fresh fruits and vegetables, red and dark green vegetables, whole grains, low fat/fat free milk, and lower sodium levels.  All meals are planned, purchased, prepared, and served with high quality products, and are consistent with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.  Additionally, the Child Nutrition Program provides after-school snacks to enrichment programs to students at various school sites.

For more information and details about the Vermilion Parish School System Child Nutrition Program, review the our Child Nutrition Program Management Policy, and visit our additional links listed on this page.

The budget for the Child Nutrition Program is separate from the Vermilion Parish School System budget, and is based upon the department’s operational needs, and revenue and expenditures.  The financial management of the program is an ongoing process based on projections, revisions, and financial reports.  Worldwide food chain disruptions and shortages, along with staffing shortages plays a role in the current budgetary process.

The Child Nutrition Program receives funding from the United States Department of Agriculture from several sources, either currently or in the past. The funding is based of state and federal guidelines, primarily meal reimbursement at the school sites. The funding sources include:

• School Breakfast Program

• National School Lunch Program

• Summer Food Service Program

• After-School Snack Program

• Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

• General Fund - MFP
  

The Vermilion Parish School System Personnel Department works closely with the Child Nutrition Program to recruit and hire the staff at the Central Office and at the school sites.  Staffing at the school sites include Cafeteria Managers, Full-time Technicians, Substitutes, and Contract Substitutes. Details on the specific job positions can be found by clicking here or visiting the Staff Positions link on this page. All job openings and application processes are now online only. If interested in working with the Child Nutrition Program, please visit Job Opportunities.

• School Breakfast Program

• School Breakfast Program Meal Pattern

• National School Lunch Program

• National School Lunch Program Meal Pattern

• Nutrition Standards for School Meals

• Summer Food Service Program

• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service

• USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center

• USDA Team Nutrition

• USDA Local School Wellness Policy

• USDA Smart Snacks in Schools

• Smart Snack Calculator

• School Nutrition Association

• Louisiana State Department of Education

• Louisiana State Department of Education Child Nutrition Program

• Louisiana Department of Health Eat Safe Louisiana

• Act 331, 2005 Louisiana Legislature

• Act 306, 2009 Louisiana Legislature

• Pennington Biomedical Research Center - School Vending List