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BACK to Grapevine HOME | Shen HOME FOOD SERVICES
Posted on September 28, 2010 How does my child find out what his cafeteria PIN number is if he has forgotten it?
Posted on June 23, 2010 My son is graduating and has money left in his Paypams lunch account. How do I transfer the balance to a sibling or get a refund? Paypams says to contact the school.
Posted on November 8, 2010 What do I do if my child forgot their school lunch code?
Lunch codes can be found on PayPams or by seeing the cafeteria manager in their school.
Posted on March 10, 2011 This is the second time I am posting this question as the first time it was not answered. Can you tell me why when the district was providing hard copies of the lunch menus to students, the lunch menus for the entire month were printed on 1 page. I assume this was a cost savings to the district. However, now the district requires that the families print their own copy and now the entire month comes across 2 pages. How about a cost savings for the parents? We are already pay enough in taxes!
Actually, it doesn't save the district any money. The school lunch program is self funded. By going to an on-line menu it helps to keep the cost of lunches down. If you want to use only one sheet of paper per month rather than two, you could print one side, put the paper back in the printer and print the other side.
Posted on March 8, 2010 What happens to the leftover food that is not used during lunch? Would it be possible to be given out to the last lunch period of the day?
Posted on April 26, 2010 It would be interesting to see nutritional information for school lunches. Could the Food Service department please post that for each day of a sample week elementary school menu? Thanks!
Posted on May 10, 2010 Can you tell me how much of Shen lunches are frozen/processed vs. made from scratch - I just watched Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and I was wondering about Shen's food. If we do use processed food can we change it?
Posted on February 16, 2011 Since my first attempt at getting an answer was ignored I will try again. How is it acceptable that the high School Cafe serve expired dairy products? This is not safe. It is our policy not to sell dairy products after the sell by date located on the milk container has passed.
Posted on February 16, 2011 What do the lunch ladies in HSE do with the left over breakfast? All food is handled according to food safety regulations and procedures.
Posted on February 2, 2010 My daughter won't buy the milk at Acadia. she says when she has bought it, that it is always partially frozen, and is chunky when she drinks it. Is the milk at Acadia, ever frozen?
We do not freeze milk at Shenendehowa, as a district we get a fresh milk delivery daily at all 10 of our kitchens. We do find during the winter months that milk can come in partially frozen. This is do to the packing of the trucks and the timing of our deliveries by the milk vender.
Posted on February 2, 2010 I was wondering why the middle school and high school use disposable Styrofoam trays in the lunch room (instead of the plastic ones that are used by my elementary schooler). This does not seem to be very environmentally friendly.
Currently it is a cost issue
Posted on May 5, 2009 Who is in charge of setting the school lunch prices?
The food service department is self-funded (not funded by the school budget). The director recommends pricing and the board of education approves it.
Posted on May 14, 2009 I would like to know if it is legal for Shen to allow a student miss her lunch period. My child is hypoglycemic, yet as I understand it, she is being made to skip lunch in order to take lessons, tests, or freshman seminar.
According to NYS Education Law, each school shall schedule a reasonable time for each full day pupil attending pre-kindergarten through grade 12 to consume lunch. If you have a concern, please contact your child's teacher or principal.
Posted on December 23, 2009 I am so frustrated. My daughter has Celiac Disease and cannot have any food containing gluten. I have written the grapevine several times
Posted on October 15, 2009 This is the second time I have posted this question. Maybe you are working on finding an answer. My first grader has a severe milk allergy for which she has an Epipen at the nurses office. Why is it when she buys lunch she is forced to buy milk to drink when she can not drink it? She is told to throw it away. Can she substitute water or juice instead? I will pay the difference. Forcing her to buy milk is a waste of my money and a waste of food in general. Thank you.
Posted on October 15, 2009 My daughter is a 5th grade student and complains everyday that her hot lunch is too small for her appetite. Because of her schedule, she does not have snack time in her classroom this year. She is one of the smaller 5th graders with a moderate appetite compared to her peers, so I am sure that she is not the only child that experiences this. Would you consider doing what some restaurants have done with their children's menus and have a regular size and a big kids meal for a higher price? I am not advocating "super sizing" of kids portions but I would certainly prefer that my child get more of the meal than supplement with snack items. Thanks for your consideration.
Posted on August 20, 2009 Checked out the new PayPams website, it looks great. However, I can't register my child without a student id number. How do I find out my child's student id number? Thank you.
Your child's student id number is on the top of the child's report card or if you have a parent portal account you can find the number on the student's schedule.
Posted on August 31, 2009 How is the Paypams program being funded?
There is no cost to the district for the PayPams program. The district has negotiated with our bank to absorb the user fees.
Posted on August 20, 2009 How much did the PayPams program cost the district?
The program will have no cost impact to the district.
Posted on August 20, 2009 If we sign up for PayPams will any balance the student have from last year transfer over automatically?
Yes, all account information will be visible. Presently it may take some time to see the information, since the school computers are not communicating daily during the summer months with the district computer.
SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAMS
Posted on January 22, 2009 Why are there separate bins in the Elementary schools for lunch trays, and why aren't there any in the other schools?
The bins were purchased years ago when the district tried a new program for disposal. The program apparently was too expensive and was discontinued. However the containers are still used because they are good for stacking trays so that they take up less space in the dumpsters.
Cost
Posted on February 29, 2008 Why are high school lunches so expensive? It's like gas prices going up every year.
Posted on November 20, 2008 What's up with charging 30 cents for salad dressing? Shouldn't you get the salad dressing free with your salad? Also, some days it's free and some days it's not...
The salad dressing is always free with a salad. If you want it without a salad, it costs 30 cents.
Posted on September 3, 2008 Are the kids who are eligible for free lunch given a pin number also so that they aren't noticeably different from their peers on the lunch line?
Yes. The system that is used at Shenendehowa assigns ALL students a pin number. That is one of the best assets of this system. All students enter a pin number at the cash register so there is no overt identification of how the meal is paid for.
Posted on July 30, 2008 I understand the School Lunch Program is federally regulated and that one of the components is milk. It is great that the school offers the students their choice of chocolate or strawberry milk. Unfortunately, they both contain high fructose corn syrup (the white milk offered does not contain the high fructose corn syrup). Is it possible to find a different vendor that provides healthier milk? Also, is the milk provided for our students free of artificial growth hormones?
When fat content is taken out of milk the sugars are typically increased. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dietetic Association and the 2005 Guidelines for Americans Committee agree that added sugar in flavored milk does not negate milk's many health benefits. Milk containing fat contents and flavorings are an important part of the school lunch program due to it's nutrient density. Little difference is found between the use of sucrose (granulated sugar) and high fructose corn syrup, they are indistinguishable to the human body. For more information please refer to www.ific.org/foodinsight/2004ja/fructosefi404.cfm and www.eatright.org/ada/files/Hot.pdf. Good nutrition is only possible if the food is consumed, we can have the most healthy nutritious food available however if our children do not eat it we have achieved nothing. As for hormones, the latest study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (JADA), July 2008 compares three types of milk: conventional, rbST-free and Organic. The study concluded that there is little difference among the three types of milk. Results of the study indicate that regardless of the composition, the nutrition of the glass of milk is not affected. The statistical information in this study does not support the idea that the addition of hormones to milk would have any negative health implications. For further information please refer to the study.
Posted on January 13, 2009 In the Elementary Schools, why are kids forced to get fruits? Most kids just throw it out anyway. This is such a waste of food and money.
The school lunch program is federally regulated. The guidelines are established for the following; calories, fat, saturated fat, protein, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.
Posted on November 25, 2008 How does a parent obtain the nutritional information on the food that Shen serves?
Contact the food service department 881-0630.
Posted on July 24, 2008 My child is in elementary school. For lunch she decided she wanted a bottle of water for a drink. She was told she needed to choose another drink as water is a snack. Why is that?
Our meals are federally regulated for nutrition content. Water contains no “nutritional value” therefore is not a component. At the elementary level we recommend the students purchase a reimbursable meal for two reasons; first it is the most nutritious (meal is composed of 5 groups- meat/meat alternate, fruit/vegetable, grain and fluid milk) a child must choose at least 3 of these items however can take all five), secondly it is the best value. We do have 8 oz waters available but they are at an a la carte price.
Posted on May 29, 2008 In lunch today, I got a sandwich but I was told that I wasn't allowed to get a sandwich without meat or cheese. Why is this? I'm a vegetarian so I don't want meat and I just don't like the cheese. Isn't it a waste if I am going to throw the cheese away anyway? Why did this happen?
The School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs are federally regulated programs, with regulations currently being based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 1995. The regulations establish eight specific nutrient standards: calories, total fat (no more than 30% calories from fat during a school week), total saturated fat (no more than 10% calories from saturated fat during a school week), protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C. Shenendehowa uses an Enhanced Food-based Menu planning approach. This requires food components and food items in correct serving sizes be planned to meet appropriate meal patterns. Meal components include; Meat/Meat Alternative, Vegetable/Fruit, Grains/Bread and Fluid Milk.
Posted on May 8, 2008 I am wondering why in the elementary schools (maybe not all) the children can buy and the cafeteria sells Little Debbie snack cakes, bags of chips, and other unhealthy snacks. On several occasions my child was able to buy two snacks (ice cream and snack cakes) in one trip up to the cash register. Why are children being allowed to purchase more than 1 snack each day and why sell unhealthy choices?
While we do have a variety of choices for children, we are making progress limiting what is available as well as the nutritional content as well. This year we pulled 12 oz sports drinks from the elementary level and we have not sold any Little Debbie products at any level. We have print outs available showing what the child has purchased and we have a lunch only setting. Unless we catch a blatant abuse of purchasing power by students it is not our practice to restrict the privilege. The school lunch department here at Shenendehowa, as well as across the state and country are self supporting businesses. Our goal has always been to keep the program affordable for families and to provide good nutrition.
Posted on May 8, 2008 Is the lunch account money transferred to the high school for the eighth grade kids moving up as it is for the kids moving from elementary to middle school?
All monies (positive and negative) follow the children from building to building.
Posted on May 1, 2008 Do all schools use Styrofoam lunch trays? If so, why not switch to paper/cardboard trays? They are recyclable or, at a minimum, do not contribute to the plastic waste stream. Is cost a consideration?
At this time Okte, Chango, Arongen and Shatekon are using a reusable tray. The food service department is looking into alternative biodegradable style trays, however, the cost of these items is 2 1/2 to 3 times more than the Styrofoam that we are presently using.
Posted on April 29, 2008 My daughter is a first grader and I recently requested a printout of her lunchtime spending. I was surprised to see snacks ranging from 25-50 cents. I looked through my food service material and can't find any mention of snacks at these prices. What are these snacks? Are they healthy and why aren't they mentioned?
The food service department will incorporate this into future documents. Thanks for the suggestion. In the meantime, you can call the food service department to find out what snacks are available.
Posted on April 29, 2008 Why does the middle school use styrofoam trays? Plastic trays that could be reused would be better for the environment.
The middle school kitchens are not equipped with dish machines needed to clean the trays.
Posted on April 8, 2008 Is there anywhere on the web site where you can find a reduced lunch application?
Thanks to your question the 2007-2008 Application is now located on the website. Free & Reduced Application
Posted on April 8, 2008 Why isn't nutrition information for lunch items posted in the lunch lines like it is in many University and College Cafeterias?
School lunch is a federally regulated program meeting strict dietary requirements. Colleges and universities are not.
Posted on April 8, 2008 Does the district have a responsibility or a policy in place that deals with providing lunch to students on a restricted diet? My daughter has celiac disease and needs to be on a strict gluten-free diet. I have always sent her food to school but she would love to "buy" once in a while.
If a child has a doctor's order requiring specific dietary requirements, the food services department will work with the family to address the needs as required.
Posted on April 8, 2008 Has an athletic lunch ever been considered? For example, athletes can pay a little more money but get more food or buffet style. I believe that the lunch that the school serves is not enough food for an athlete.
The school lunch program is Federally regulated. The guidelines are established for the following; calories, fat, saturated fat, protein, vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron. It would be very difficult to add more calories or protein that the athlete may need and remain in compliance with the regulations.
Posted on March 18, 2008 Now that we have the Parent Portal, will my children's lunch account information be added, so we may monitor the accounts?
The lunch account module for the parent portal is an "add on" feature that costs approximately $30,000. The food service department is looking at the costs/benefits of the feature but has made no decisions at this point.
Posted on March 12, 2008 Why is it so much more expensive for an adult meal in the school lunch program when you get the same amount of food that the children get?
Minimum prices for adult meals are established by the NYS Education Department.
Posted on March 7, 2008 How long has the recalled beef been distributed to the Shen School District? And, has it only been distributed in the form of hamburger patties or in other forms as well?
There were two items that we buy off the state bid that were impacted by the beef recall, hamburger patties and meatballs. Shenendehowa stopped selling any items related to the recall on February 6. We had 82 cases of beef patties. We had meatballs on order but they were never delivered because of it. The beef patties were disposed of according to standards determined by the Office of General Services.
Posted on March 4, 2008 Is there a way that I can track what my second grader buys at lunch? How would I know if someone else uses his code?
Yes. Informational reports can be requested from the food service office at your child's school or by contacting the Food Services Department at the District Office. It is unlikely that someone is using your child's account. However, the report will be able to tell you what is being purchased and could identify any activity that is out of the ordinary.
Posted on February 20, 2008 Where can we find nutritional facts for school lunches (fat, calories, protein, and fiber)?
Shenendehowa participates in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. These are federally regulated programs, with regulations currently being based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 1995 (the USDA has just signed an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to update regulations which should be completed in the next 18-24 months.) The regulations establish eight specific nutrient standards: calories, total fat (no more than 30% calories from fat during a school week), total saturated fat (no more than 10% calories from saturated fat during a school week), protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C. Shenendehowa uses an Enhanced Food-based Menu planning approach. This requires food components and food items in correct serving sizes be planned to meet appropriate meal patterns. Meal components include; Meat/Meat Alternative, Vegetable/Fruit, Grains/Bread and Fluid Milk.
Food Allergies
Posted on November 10, 2008 Why does the school require “medical documentation with a physicians order indicating what foods need to be eliminated from the diet and the requested substitute” for lactose-free milk, but does not require the same documentation for children with peanut and other food allergies. These allergies affect everyone and require other families to cater to their allergies if we have a child in their class.
We do. See Board of Education Policy 7521.
Posted on November 7, 2008 I have a first grader she loves milk but needs the lactose milk. Why doesn't Shen carry it?
We do provide lactaid milk when we are aware there is a need. We would need medical documentation with a physicians order indicating what foods need to be eliminated from the diet and the requested substitute.
Posted on June 25, 2008 I am concerned about the very little time Orenda has devoted for lunch break. The students only have 15 minutes and when there is something popular in the menu, the line is longer and it takes a more time than usual to buy. Moreover, one has to factor in the time they spend walking to the cafeteria and back and all of it has to be accomplished in this short time. Eating lunch in 15 minutes is unhealthy. These kids are young and they take longer than an adult to get themselves set. Could the school reconsider the amount of time the children have to eat lunch?
After lunch, students go out or back to the classrooms (when the weather is not good) but nobody is forced to leave the lunchroom. There is a table for those who eat slowly or need more time to finish eating. This leaves a lot of time for students to eat. That being said, there are times when students are not eating but just fooling around and, if this is habitual, it is addressed.
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