Menus
Menus
Food menus by school can be found using Nutrislice. To access the menus, click on the website link and then search "Newton" in the search bar. You will be taken to a page where you can select either elementary/NECP, middle, or high school. The website provides a customizable and interactive menu with nutritional and allergy information included.
Food Services may experience supply or delivery challenges that can affect the originally-planned menu. Therefore, the menu is subject to change based upon availability. Please check Nutrislice weekly to ensure that your student is making menu choices based upon the most updated delivery information.
Meal Components
The USDA requires that all meals include at least three of five of the required meal components - meat/meat alternative, grain, fresh fruit, and vegetable, as well as beverage options, including non-fat or low-fat milk as part of the federal meal pattern requirements. Newton Public Schools encourages students to take advantage of all five of the meal components, but only three - one being 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable - is required to count as a reimbursable meal.
At the middle and high school levels, a la carte items such as snacks and beverages are available for purchase.
Food Allergies
Food allergies in children can affect about 8% of students. In the Newton Public Schools, families, staff, and the school nurse work together to minimize the risk of exposure to food allergens and are prepared to act if an allergic reaction occurs. The Newton School Committee has set age-appropriate guidelines for students and schools. For more information on allergy management in schools, please review the School Committee policy Life-threatening Allergies and work with your child's school nurse if needed to support your student at school.
NPS Wellness Policy and Guidelines
The Newton School Committee has a Wellness Policy that has been reviewed and reapproved in June 2023 through the required Triennial Assessment. The policy states that "The School Committee recognizes the relationship between student well-being and student achievement, as well as the importance of a comprehensive district wellness program. Therefore, the school district will provide developmentally appropriate and sequential nutrition and physical education as well as opportunities for physical activity. The wellness program will be implemented in a multidisciplinary fashion, will be evidence based, and will reflect the requirements of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) of 2010."
The Wellness Guidelines have also been reviewed and reaffirmed by the Newton Wellness Committee in May 2023 and include a commitment to providing Smart Snacks in the Newton Public Schools sold through the Food Services program, a la carte foods, vending, and foods sold through NPS school stores.