In addition to serving high-quality school foods, we offer a la carte items that follow the federal Smart Snack in School standards. These standards ensure that our snack items

•  Are 50% or more whole grain by weights

• Have as the first ingredient a fruit, a vegetable, a dairy product, or a protein food

• Be a combination food that contains at least ¼ cup of fruit and/or vegetable

• Meet the USDA nutrient standards for calories, sodium, sugar, and fats

Students must have either cash or a positive balance in their meal account in order to be allowed to purchase a la carte items.

In order to meet the many food philosophies within our large and culturally diverse district, Food & Nutrition Services offers a la carte items to DPS students grades K-12. We offer differing items for elementary versus secondary sites to best meet the needs of our students. The snack items are carefully selected to make sure they meet the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Smart Snack in School standards and comply with our district’s wellness policy. The snacks come in individually wrapped small portions and meet limited standards for sugar, sodium or saturated fats.  Drinks are similarly compliant with USDA and District wellness guidelines. Many items sold are formulated specifically for K-12 food service and are different from the version you find in grocery stores. Some examples of these items include whole-grain baked chips, popcorn, reduced-sugar fruit snacks, and whole grain cookies.

Food & Nutrition Services’ Area Managers work with school leaders to determine which a la carte items will be sold.

Drinks are also offered and may include sparkling water, low sugar sports drinks and 100% fruit juice items.

DPS’ Food & Nutrition Services operation is self-funded: the money the department earns from selling food items to students, families and teachers, as well as federal and state government funding, must cover the cost of food, salaries for approximately 800 employees, equipment and other operational expenses. The addition of a la carte items helps cover the operational costs of Food & Nutrition Services so we are able to continue offering healthy meals to all our students every day, contributing to our mission to feed DPS kids so all students are ready to learn.

Adult may not receive meals at no charge because the Food Services Department  receives federal and state reimbursement money for each meal served to students that meets regulatory requirements. No reimbursement is available for adult meals. Adults may purchase a meal or individualized items and do not have to follow the same meal pattern as students. Adult portion sizes are the same as students.