Nutritional Services

The Lower Merion School District Nutritional Services department provides more than 7,000 meals per day in the District's ten public schools and nearly 500 meals to satellite operations and private schools throughout the area. This includes a full service breakfast and lunch program. The department also offers extensive catering services for meetings, banquets and special events.

The District publishes menus for the elementary, middle and high schools (see links at right). Each school has a fully-equipped kitchen and all food is prepared on site. Students carrying their own lunches may purchase assorted milk products and 100% juices as well as a-la-carte products. The District participates in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program, which provides free and reduced-price lunches based upon need. A salad bar or equivalent is offered at all schools. Information regarding breakfast and lunch programs is distributed on the first day of school.

A number of daily menu options are available in each school. At the high school level breakfast service includes fresh baked goods, cereals, breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit and a coffee bar; lunch items include hot entrees, a hoagie/sandwich bar, an extensive salad bar, a pasta bar, hot soups, and healthy snacks.

LMSD Nutritional Services has taken a leadership role in the effort to promote healthy choices in the school cafeteria. The District was among the first in Pennsylvania to eliminate the use of cooking oils that contain trans-fats and in 2006 became the first District in the state to eliminate all items with trans-fats from the menu. The District's School Health Advisory Council (SHAC), composed of parents, dieticians, health care professionals, students, faculty and other community members, has worked together to assist the district in the development of wellness and nutrition policies that promote healthful eating through nutrition education and a school environment that is supportive of healthful eating. The District employs a full-time dietician.