Food Service
Food and Nutrition Services Notifications:
Food and Nutrition Services Notifications:![]()
Food and Nutrition Services Notifications:
Understanding School Meals, A Guide for School Staff and Parents
5-20-26
5-20-26
Understanding School Meals, A Guide for School Staff and Parents
5-20-26![]()
Understanding School Meals, A Guide for School Staff and Parents
5-20-26
5-20-26
Supporting Student Health, Learning, and Success
School meals are carefully planned to provide students with the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and succeed. Today's school nutrition programs follow strict federal and state nutrition standards designed to promote healthier eating habits and reduce excess sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats.
Many people are surprised to learn that school meals sometimes include familiar brand-name foods such as Goldfish crackers, Oreo products, Hot Pockets, pizza, cereals, and other commonly recognized items. However, the versions purchased for school food service are NOT the same as the standard products sold in grocery stores. Food manufacturers create special school nutrition formulations specifically designed to meet strict state and federal USDA nutrition standards. These products are often made with more whole grains, reduced sodium, lower saturated fat, controlled calories, and limited added sugars compared to the regular retail versions found in stores or restaurants.
What Makes School Meals Healthy?
School meals are designed to include:
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Low-fat or fat-free milk
- Age-appropriate calories and portion sizes
- Reduced sodium and saturated fat
- Limited added sugars
Meals must meet nutrition requirements established by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).
What Does a School Meal Include?
Breakfast Components
A complete school breakfast may include:
- Whole-grain-rich item
- Fruit or 100% fruit juice
- Milk
- Protein item when applicable
Examples:
- Whole-grain breakfast sandwich with fruit and milk
- Oatmeal with berries and yogurt
- Whole-grain cereal with banana and milk
Lunch Components
A complete school lunch includes:
- Lean protein
- Whole-grain-rich item
- Fruit
- Vegetable
- Milk
Examples:
- Whole-grain pasta with meat sauce, salad, fruit, and milk
- Chicken rice bowl with vegetables and fruit
- Turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread with carrots, apples, and milk
Understanding Whole Grain-Rich Foods
One common misunderstanding is that school food products are the same as regular store-bought snack foods. In reality, many school meal products are specially formulated to meet higher nutrition standards.
Example:
Whole Grain Goldfish vs. Regular Store-Bought Goldfish
The whole-grain-rich Goldfish crackers served in schools are NOT the same as standard store-bought Goldfish crackers.
School-approved products are specially made to:
- Contain more whole grains
- Meet lower sodium requirements
- Follow stricter fat and calorie limits
- Qualify under USDA school nutrition standards
While the packaging or appearance may look similar, school nutrition products are often significantly healthier than standard retail versions.
This is true for many products used in school meals, including:
- Pizza
- Bread products
- Crackers
- Chicken items
- Pasta
- Cookies
- Cereals
School food manufacturers create products specifically for school nutrition programs to meet state and federal health guidelines.
Freshly Prepared and Balanced Meals
Many school meals are prepared fresh or assembled on-site by trained nutrition staff.
School nutrition teams work hard to:
- Prepare balanced meals daily
- Offer fresh fruits and vegetables
- Encourage students to try healthy foods
- Reduce highly processed ingredients whenever possible
- Follow food safety and nutrition standards
School nutrition professionals care deeply about the quality of meals being served to students.
Why Healthy School Meals Matter
Research consistently shows that healthy school meals help students:
- Focus better in class
- Improve academic performance
- Maintain energy throughout the day
- Support healthy growth and development
- Build lifelong healthy eating habits
For many students, school meals provide the most balanced meal of the day.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
“School meals are just processed food.”
Many school meal products are specifically designed to meet stricter nutrition requirements than many foods available in stores or restaurants.
“School meals have too much sugar or sodium.”
School meals must follow USDA limits for sodium, calories, saturated fat, and added sugars.
“School meals are unhealthy.”
School meals today include more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins than ever before.
How Families and Schools Can Work Together
Supporting healthy eating habits works best when schools and families partner together.
Ways to support students include:
- Encouraging students to try fruits and vegetables
- Talking positively about healthy foods
- Reviewing school menus together
- Teaching balanced eating habits
- Helping students understand moderation and nutrition
Our Commitment to Students
Our school nutrition program is committed to:
- Serving nutritious meals
- Following all USDA and state nutrition regulations
- Continuously improving menu quality
- Supporting student wellness and academic success
Healthy students are better prepared to learn, participate, and succeed.
Questions?
We welcome questions from families, staff, and community members about our school nutrition program.
Together, we can continue supporting healthy choices and student success through nutritious school meals.
Amy Jensen
BOMUSD Food Service Director
5303338300 X2
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Annual Notification
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Annual Notification![]()
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Annual Notification
Updated March 2026
Based on your annual earnings, you may be eligible to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit from the Federal Government (Federal EITC). The Federal EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. The Federal EITC has no effect on certain welfare benefits. In most cases, Federal EITC payments will not be used to determine eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, food stamps, low-income housing, or most Temporary Assistance For Needy Families payments. Even if you do not owe federal taxes, you must file a federal tax return to receive the Federal EITC. Be sure to fill out the Federal EITC form in the Federal Income Tax Return Booklet. For information regarding your eligibility to receive the Federal EITC, including information on how to obtain the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Notice 797 or any other necessary forms and instructions, contact the IRS by calling 1-800-829-3676 or through its website at www.irs.gov.
You may also be eligible to receive the California Earned Income Tax Credit (California EITC) starting with the calendar year 2015 tax year. The California EITC is a refundable state income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. The California EITC is treated in the same manner as the Federal EITC and generally will not be used to determine eligibility for welfare benefits under California law. To claim the California EITC, even if you do not owe California taxes, you must file a California income tax return and complete and attach the California EITC Form (FTB 3514). For information on the availability of the credit eligibility requirements and how to obtain the necessary California forms and get help filing, contact the Franchise Tax Board at 1-800-852-5711 or through its website at www.ftb.ca.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Free resources to help you file your tax return:
- EITC Brochure in Spanish/English: This printable brochure provides information about the Federal and California Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs) along with the eligibility requirements.
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS): For more information about the Federal EITC, please visit the EITC web site or call 1-800-829-1040.
- Franchise Tax Board (FTB): File your state tax return directly to FTB for free with CalFile. For more information, please contact FTB at 1-800-852-5711 or visit the FTBweb site.
- CalEITC: California joins 24 other states and the District of Columbia in adopting a state EITC to supplement the federal EITC. For more information visit CalEITC4Me. In addition to the CalEITC Calculator to determine how much money eligible filers can get back, and a Free Tax Prep Finder to help people find convenient free tax preparation sites in their neighborhoods.
SNAP (CalFresh) Benefit Delay – Communication to Families
SNAP (CalFresh) Benefit Delay – Communication to Families![]()
SNAP (CalFresh) Benefit Delay – Communication to Families
October 31, 2025
Dear Black Oak Mine Families,
We understand that the current delay in SNAP (CalFresh) benefits may be creating challenges for some of our families. Please know that our Food Services Department and District are here to support our students during this time.
Every student in our district receives one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day.
-
Breakfast is served before school and again during Second Chance Breakfast (morning recess or passing period). This will be a Main item, Fruit and/or Vegetable, and a choice of white or chocolate milk.
-
Lunch includes a main entrée and a full salad bar, with a choice of white or chocolate milk.
If your family is experiencing food insecurity, we encourage you to reach out to your local food bank or use the following resources for additional support:
We are committed to ensuring that every student has access to nutritious meals each day. Please don’t hesitate to contact our department if you have questions or need assistance.
Warm regards,
Amy Jensen
Food Services Director
Black Oak Mine Unified School District
6540 Wentworth Springs Rd
Georgetown, CA 95634
(530)333-8300 opt. 2
Community Eligibility Provision
Community Eligibility Provision![]()
Community Eligibility Provision
July 16, 2025
Dear Black Oak Mine Unified School District families,
We are pleased to inform you that Black Oak Mine Unified School District is participating in a new option available to schools participating in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs called Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the School Year 2025-2026.
What does this mean for you and your children attending a Black Oak Mine Unified School District Site?
Great news for you and your students! All students enrolled at a Black Oak Mine Unified School District site are eligible to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch at no charge to your household each day of the 2025-2026 school year.
No further action is required of you. Your child(ren) will be able to participate in these meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application.
An Alternative Income form is available in your school office, and one was included in your Back to School Packet. We encourage our families to fill one out to support our school district.
School meals are a great value and a huge convenience for busy families! We look forward to welcoming your child(ren) to the cafeteria this fall. If we can be of any further assistance, please contact us at (530)333-8300 X2.
Thank you!
Amy Jensen
Student Nutrition Specialist
Black Oak Mine Unified School District
STaff and ADULTs: Pay for Meals Online
STaff and ADULTs: Pay for Meals Online![]()
STaff and ADULTs: Pay for Meals Online
FOR: Staff and Adults eating on campus
or through your Android phone, iPhone or iPad using the Mobile App.
USDA Nondiscrimination statement
USDA Nondiscrimination statement![]()
USDA Nondiscrimination statement
Updated March 3, 2026
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027
(PDF), found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint 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:
(PDF), found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint 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:- mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; - fax:
202-690-7442; or - email:
Program.Intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
