2026-2027 Nutrition Program Information

We are excited to welcome all of our students back for the 2026-2027 school year! We hope you all had a relaxing summer break! As we approach the new school year, I would like to remind all parents and guardians about some key nutritional information and guidelines for our meal service programming. 

NSLP and Offer Vs Serve
SENSE Charter School participates in the National School Lunch Program, operating the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) that allows ALL Students to receive free breakfast and free lunch daily while at school. SENSE also implements Offer Vs. Serve during meal service, which allows students to decline some of the food offered within the meal pattern. Please refer to the attached Offer Vs. Serve (OVS) flyer, describing how we implement Offer Vs Serve during meal service. SENSE offers students four food options daily- two hot options, one cold option, and Daily option choice of Sun butter and Jelly.

Special Dietary Needs/Accommodations
All sponsors must serve meals that meet USDA meal pattern requirements. Modifications and substitutions that cannot be made within the established meal pattern (such as food allergies, specific food needs, tube feedings, etc.) need a medical statement or doctors note for Special Dietary Needs accommodations. Documentation needs to be turned into the front office or can be sent to Tiffany Johnson (tjohnson@senseindy.org).

Peanut and Other Allergy 
SENSE is Peanut Free during designated meal service,  however if your student has a peanut allergy or any other allergies to food-  (Gluten, dairy, fruit, vegetable, soy, other tree nuts, etc.) documentation needs to be provided to make modifications to the meal pattern, if necessary. Having that documentation on file is also necessary for classroom teachers to make accommodations in the classroom for parties, snack time, celebrations, etc.  Documentation needs to be turned into the front office or can be sent to Tiffany Johnson (tjohnson@senseindy.org).

How do you know if your student needs a Medical Statement? Quick reference:
Student has specific protein/dairy/Gluten allergy -  YES.  
Student has a sensitivity, does not like milk, or has certain preference of what kind of milk he/she drinks- NO (student can decline to take milk during meal service) 
Student has a disability and requires assistance during meal service or modified food options (i.e. blended or softened foods)- YES
Student has religious preference of not eating meat- NO (Student can choose a no meat lunch option)

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
SENSE participates in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) that offers fresh fruits and vegetables to students outside of designated meal service. The program is typically offered to only K-6 students, but this year we have the opportunity to include 7th and 8th graders into the program.  We are so excited to offer fresh fruits and vegetables to all K-8 students!
**This program is offered to all students two times a week, but students can decline to participate if they choose to.
 **This program does not offer substitute items for allergies/insensitivities (only accommodations for Special Dietary Needs) If your student has a specific allergy related to fruits and vegetables- communicate the allergy and send documentation of the allergy to your child's teacher and/or Mrs. Johnson, and please discuss the importance of "opting out" of the snack that day with your student.
**The FFVP menu will be listed on the monthly breakfast and lunch menu and posted to ParentSquare every month.

Wellness Policy
The schoolwide wellness policy is also attached. Please look over the Wellness policy to review our wellness policies and strategies during the school day, including our Food/Beverage policy and guidelines for lunches packed from home. This can be found in our Family/Student Handbook on our school website (www.senseindy.org)

Please feel free to reach out to Tiffany Johnson, Nutrition/Wellness Coordinator, to discuss the medical/dietary needs for your student or refer to the SDN Quick Guide attached.

See you soon, Sharks!