CHAPTER 8.00 - AUXILIARY SERVICES

8.23 General Food Service Requirements

POLICY:

(1) The school food service program shall operate according to requirements set forth in Florida Statutes, and State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Rules. The school food service program shall include the federally reimbursed lunch and breakfast program, ala carte food, beverage offerings, and sale of food and beverage items offered through vending machines or other methods to students at all school facilities during the school day and other federally reimbursed programs include the Summer Nutrition Program and other child nutrition programs. 

(2) The District shall participate in the Florida Farm Fresh Schools Program. 

(3) The school food service program shall be an integral part of the District’s educational program, offering nutritional and educational opportunities to students. 

(4) Foods and beverages available in schools shall be only those which meet the nutritional needs of students and contribute to the development of desirable health habits unless provided otherwise in School Board rules. 

(5) The school food service program shall meet the standards for Food Service and Sanitation and Safety as provided by the Florida State Board of Health and Florida State Department of Education. 

(6) OBJECTIVES -- 

(a) To provide school food services consistent with the needs of students. 

(b) To provide school food services that contribute to the student's educational experiences. 

(c) To provide school food services that comply with Federal and State Rules.

(7) RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES -- 

(a) The School Board - The school Board shall assume such responsibilities and exercise such powers and perform such duties as may be assigned to it by law or as are necessary to assure school food services, consistent with needs of pupils; effective and efficient operation of the program; and the proper articulation of the school food services program with other phases of education in the district. 

(b) The Superintendent of Schools - The Superintendent shall be responsible for the overall administration of the school food services program within the school district, through the Director of Food Services. 

(c) The School Food Service Director - The Director shall be responsible for the direct supervision of the District School Food Service Program. The Director will assist in the development of rules of effectuate the efficient operation of the Food Service Program. The Director will be responsible to the Superintendent and will work in cooperation with the principal of each school in evaluating and improving the program in that school. 

(d) The School Food Service Manager - The Manager shall be responsible for the direct supervision of the staff and program of food service operation of the school to which he/she is assigned. He/she will be responsible to and cooperate with the principal and director in furthering the food service program in that school. 

(e) The Principal - The Principal of each school shall be responsible for the general supervision of the Food Service Program in his/her school. He/she will work in cooperation with the Food Service Director to evaluate and improve the program in his/her school. 

(f) The Food Service Employee - the food service employee in each school will follow all rules established for the operation of food service in the school in which they are employed.

(8) PURCHASES - Purchases of good and services for the Food Service Program shall be subject to all requirements of Florida Administrative  Code 5P-1, except that formal competitive bids shall not be required for: 

(a) Food products, exclusive of milk. 

(b) Fresh produce. 

(9) USE OF FACILITIES - Food service facilities shall be available to civic organizations upon approval of the principal and Food Service Manager. The organization using the facility shall be responsible for incurred expenses and payment of Board approved user fee. 

(10) FOOD SERVICE HANDBOOK - The Superintendent shall cause to be devised, in cooperation with principals, food service director and food service managers, a handbook establishing rules and operational procedures for school food service facilities and personnel. 

STATUTORY AUTHORITY : 1001.41; 1001.42, F.S. 

LAWS IMPLEMENTED: 570.98; 570.981; 1001.43; F.S. 

STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES RULES: 5P-1.001; 5P-1.002; 5P-1.003; 5P-1.005 

History: Adopted: January 14, 1999 

Revision Date(s): November 14, 2000; October 7, 2003; November 20, 2012 

Formerly: