Why Providing Meals for Food Service Staff Matters More Than You Think
Every school day, food service professionals show up before the first bell rings - prepping breakfasts, setting up service lines, and ensuring thousands of students receive healthy, balanced meals. Yet, in the hustle of serving others, their own nutritional needs are often overlooked.
That’s why it’s important for School Food Authorities (SFAs) to establish a clear policy that provides meals for food service staff while at work. This small but meaningful gesture is not only practical - it’s a best practice grounded in fairness, compliance, and respect for the people who nourish our school communities.
Supporting Those Who Feed Our Students
Food service employees perform physically demanding, time-sensitive work. They’re on their feet for hours, lifting heavy trays, managing tight schedules, and keeping meal service running smoothly. Allowing them to enjoy a meal during their shift acknowledges the critical role they play in student wellness.
By providing staff meals that mirror the same nutritious options offered to students, we’re modeling the importance of balanced eating and fostering a sense of shared mission: feeding others starts with caring for your own team.
A Policy Rooted in Compliance and Equity
The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service Instruction 782-5 (Rev. 1) gives school nutrition programs the flexibility to provide meals at no charge to adults who are directly involved in operating or administering the program. These meals are not considered “adult meals” - they’re an allowable program expense when provided to employees whose work supports the School Nutrition Programs (SNPs).
https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/pricing-adult-meals-national-school-lunch-and-school-breakfast-programs
A written policy formalizes this practice, ensuring that all eligible staff are treated consistently and that program funds are used appropriately. It protects the integrity of the nonprofit school food service account while ensuring compliance with both state and federal guidelines.
Building a Culture of Care
Beyond compliance, this policy reinforces a culture of respect and belonging. Sharing a meal with the same food that’s served to students builds morale, promotes connection, and shows that the organization values its people - not just as employees, but as members of the school family.
When leaders take steps to nourish the staff who nourish others, it sets a powerful example for the entire community. It reminds us that wellness, fairness, and gratitude are just as important as efficiency or compliance.
Putting Policy Into Practice
If your school or district hasn’t yet formalized this approach, consider adopting a clear, written “Meals Provided to Food Service Staff” policy. The policy should define eligibility, clarify fiscal accountability, and ensure the meals provided are aligned with the reimbursable meal patterns served to students.
In doing so, you’ll be affirming something every successful nutrition program already knows:
“A healthy, supported team creates healthy, supported students.”