Meals and Nutrition
Meals and Nutrition
Printable Menus
Meal Prices
Meals can be pre-paid through your LinQ Connect Account.
Meal Payment System (LinQ Connect)
With LINQ Connect, you can:
- Make Meal Payments: Conveniently add funds to your student’s account anytime.
- Link Student Accounts: Easily manage multiple student accounts in one place.
- Access Menus: Check out what’s for lunch with just a few taps.
- Track Purchases: Stay informed about what your child is eating at school.
- Apply for Free/Reduced Lunch: Quickly complete the application from your phone.
- View Account Balances: Always know your student’s account status.
LINQ Connect gives you peace of mind, knowing that all your student’s meal account information is secure and accessible whenever you need it.
Easy as 1, 2, 3
1. Visit the LINQ Connect Website from any computer, tablet, or mobile device, or download the mobile app.
2. Create a free account. The user-friendly portal makes signing up easy and quick.
3. Add funds. Add funds securely to student accounts.
Free and Reduced-Cost Meals
Every family is asked to complete a Free/Reduced lunch application. Your child could qualify for either free or reduced-price lunches throughout the school year. Even if you don’t qualify, your application helps our schools earn more state and federal funds!
The application must be completed every school year and is available mid-July each year. Watch your email for details.
Why Complete the Application?
Qualified applicants: Get free or reduced-price lunches all year.
All applications, whether they qualify or not, help our schools earn funds to:
- Support After-school programs: Help us offer enriching academic and extracurricular activities.
- Boost School Budgets: Your application helps secure essential state and federal funding.
- Affordable Internet: Contribute to reduced internet costs for our schools.
- & Much More!
We're Here to Help!
If you have any questions, our Child Nutrition Program is just an email away at CNP@uplifteducation.org, or you can call us at 469-621-8500.
Free/Reduced Lunch Frequently Asked Questions
What are the income limits to qualify for free or reduced-price lunch?
Your children can receive free or low-cost meals if your household income is within the reduced price limits on the Federal Income Chart.
Do I need to fill out an application for each child?
No. Only one application per household is required to apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits.
How do I know if I qualify for free or reduced lunch?
We encourage all households to fill out a free/reduced lunch application regardless of income. Your children can receive low-cost meals if your household income is within the reduced-price limits. Learn more about Determining Income Eligibility and refer to the Income Eligibility Guidelines.
I receive WIC; can my children receive free breakfast and lunch?
Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Please apply at https://linqconnect.com/.
If I do not qualify for Free or Reduced meals, can I apply again later?
Yes. You may re-apply at any time during the school year, if your household size changes, or if the household income changes, or if the household starts receiving SNAP or TANF benefits.
May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You, your children, or other household members do not have to be U.S. citizens to apply for free or reduced-price meals.
My child’s application was approved last year. Do I need to fill out a new one?
Yes. Your child’s application is only good for that school year and for the first 30 operating days of the following school year. You must submit a new application unless you have a letter saying your child is eligible for the new school year.
If you do not apply or have not been notified that your child is eligible for free meals, they will be charged the full price.
My family needs more help. Are there other programs we might apply for?
To find out how to apply for SNAP in Texas or other assistance benefits, contact your local assistance office or call 1-877-541-7905.
If you have other questions or need help, email cnp@uplifteducation.org or call (469) 621-8500.
Should I fill out an application if I receive a letter this school year saying my children are already approved for free meals?
No, but please read the letter you got carefully and follow the instructions. If any children in your household were missing from your eligibility notification, contact cnp@uplifteducation.org or (469) 621-8500.
What if I disagree with the school’s decision about my application?
You should talk to school officials. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to: cnp@uplifteducation.org or (469) 398-0147.
What if my income is sometimes different?
List the amount that you usually earn. For example, if you typically make $1000 each month but missed some work last month and only made $900, put down that you made $1000 monthly. If you usually get overtime, include it, but do not if you only work overtime sometimes. Use your current income if you have lost a job or had your hours or wages reduced.
What if some members of my household have no income to report?
Please include all household members on your application regardless of whether they receive income. Household members who do not receive income, please add a 0 in the field. However, if any income fields are left empty or blank, those will also be counted as zero. Please be careful when leaving income fields blank, as we will assume you meant to do so.
What is the current cost for paid or reduced lunches?
- Paid lunch cost $3.05
- Reduce lunch cost $0.00
- Breakfast is free for all scholars!
Nutrition Education
At Uplift Education, we believe that healthy eating habits are essential for the growth and development of our scholars. Read below for valuable resources and information to support families in fostering nutritious habits and making informed food choices.
Parent Resources
We’ve gathered a variety of resources to help you support your child’s nutritional needs at every life stage.
5 ways to help develop healthy eating habits
How to establish healthy habits.
Give your Teen an Iron Boost
What’s the nutrient most lacking in your teen’s diet? While you might guess calcium, it could be iron.
After-School Snack Ideas
A planned after-school snack is one way to help kids achieve nutrition goals.
Nutrition Education Life Stages
At every stage of life, eating healthy is never too early or late.
Basics of Reading a Nutrition Label
A quick guide to reading the Nutrition Facts label.
Smart Snacks
Discover our SMART Snacks guidelines, which ensure that all snacks sold in vending machines or for consumption in our schools adhere to Smart Snacks guidelines as issued by the USDA. These standards help to maintain a healthy diet for our students throughout the school day.
Why are Smart Snacks Important?
- Almost a quarter of kids’ daily calories may come from snacks.
- Kids who have healthy eating patterns are more likely to perform better academically.
- Kids consume more healthy foods and beverages during the school day. When Smart Snacks are available, the healthy choice is the easy choice.
- Smart Snacks Standards are a Federal requirement for all foods sold outside the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.
We encourage parents to send smart snacks to school with their children whenever possible. Some items include peanuts, light popcorn, low-fat chips, granola bars, fruit cup, vegetables, and no-calorie flavored water. To determine if your snacks meet Smart Snack guidelines, use the calculator found here:
General Frequently Asked Questions
Do my funds roll over to the next school year?
Yes, your scholar’s funds will roll over to the next school year.
How do I get a refund in my scholar’s account?
If your child changes schools within the Uplift Network, the balance will transfer with your child. If you move to another district, fill out and submit the refund request form. For questions you may contact cnp@uplifteducation.org. A check will be processed within two to four weeks and mailed.
What constitutes a reimbursable meal?
A reimbursable meal is when a student chooses three components offered at breakfast or lunch. The five daily components are milk, fruit, vegetables, grains, and meat/meat alternatives. For a tray to be reimbursable, 1 of the three components chosen must be a fruit or vegetable. A student may take all the components offered. Primary and Secondary School students are limited to 1 serving of fruit at lunch; High School students may take two servings of fruit at lunch.
- Example at a Primary School: hamburger (grain and meat equal two components) + waffle fries (vegetable) = Reimbursable Meal (3 components chosen)
- Example at Secondary School: cheese pizza (grain and meat alternate equal two components) + broccoli + milk = Reimbursable Meal (4 components chosen)
What do I do if my scholar has food allergies?
If a student has a food allergy, it’s essential to prioritize their safety by requiring a doctor to fill out a form (you get from school nurse) detailing their specific dietary needs and restrictions. This information is then communicated to the school nurse to ensure proper understanding and implementation of necessary precautions.
What efforts do we make to keep food safe?
The local Health Department inspects our kitchens to ensure they meet all health regulations. All food service staff maintain a Texas Food Handler card and wear hair restraints (including hair nets or hats) and gloves. They wash their hands between tasks and before handling food. In addition, they check temperatures on each batch of food after it is cooked and between serving times. Food service staff use coolers, warmers, and steam tables to maintain proper temperatures during serving times. They continually monitor cooler and freezer temperatures.
Who determines what food choices will be available on the daily menu?
The Child Nutrition Program Director of Menus and the Child Nutrition Program Senior Director plan the menus with our scholars in mind. We attend various food shows and conduct several taste tests throughout the year to ensure we are serving healthy items that the scholars will enjoy. In addition, nutritional analysis is performed on all reimbursable menus to ensure the Federal nutrition guidelines are met.
Who determines what food goes on my child’s tray?
Uplift Education CNP schools follow the “Offer vs. Serve” method. This means that, by federal law, the school cafeteria must allow the child to choose what he/she wants to eat from the selections available.
Why do adult meals cost more than student meals?
The National School Lunch Program aims to provide nutritious and low-cost meals to children. Since this Program is for children, there is no federal assistance or reimbursement for meals served to adults. The value of this reimbursement or aid must not be used to subsidize adult meals. Therefore, the adult meal charge must be at least a combination of the basic reimbursement rate plus the guaranteed value of USDA commodities (per plate) and higher than the highest charge to the child in the school district. An adult should receive the same size meal as a secondary student for the established charge.
I transferred from one Uplift school to another. Does my meal balance rollover to new Uplift School?
Yes, it will update automatically.
Request A Refund
If your child changes schools within the Uplift Network, the balance will transfer with your child. If you move to another district, fill out and submit the refund request form. For questions you may contact cnp@uplifteducation.org. A check will be processed within two to four weeks and mailed.
Policies & Regulations
Rules and Regulations: Stay informed about the rules and regulations governing school nutrition programs. Access detailed information from the USDA’s Rules and Regulations to understand the standards we adhere to in providing healthy meals to our students.
School Wellness Policy
Uplift Education schools are committed to the health and well being of scholars and staff within our learning community. Uplift Education believes that healthy eating habits and regular physical activity improves the ability to achieve academically. All Uplift Education schools are committed to fighting childhood obesity and maintaining lifelong healthy habits. Uplift Education is committed to following and exceeding current health and nutrition guidelines as set forth by the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA 2010), USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Texas Department of Agriculture, US Department of Health and Human Services, US Department of Education and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Development of Guidelines and Goals
Uplift Education shall develop nutritional guidelines and wellness goals in consultation with involvement from parents, students and representatives of the Uplift Child Nutrition Program, the school board, school administrators, members of the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC), teachers of physical education and school health professionals. Uplift will review this policy once a year with the input of the teams listed.
Implementation and Compliance
- The Directors of the schools shall oversee the implementation of this policy and shall develop administrative procedures for periodically measuring the implementation of this policy.
- The Kitchen manager shall be responsible for the implementation of the HACCP Food Safety plan and enforcing nutrition standards around the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program.
- Classroom teachers shall be responsible for integrating wellness policy requirements into the daily curriculum as appropriate.
- Parents shall support a coordinated effort in partnership with the school to encourage healthy habits at home and school.
- All members of Uplift Education shall be responsible for complying with wellness policy requirements.
- Uplift Education will establish a structured School Health Advisory Committee with members consisting of parents, representatives of the Child Nutrition Program, school board, school administrators, the public, teachers of physical education and school health professionals to enhance the proficiency of implementation and compliance of the wellness policy and goals.
Wellness Goals
Nutrition Education and Promotion
Uplift Education schools shall implement, in accordance with law, a Coordinated School Health Program with a nutrition education component and shall implement health curriculum that emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition.
In addition, Uplift Education schools have established the following goals for nutrition education:
- All Uplift scholars in grades K-8 shall receive “nutrition education” as part of a structured and systematic unit of instruction through physical education classes.
- All Uplift Scholars will have nutrition education integrated into other areas of curriculum as appropriate.
- The staff responsible for nutrition education will be adequately prepared and participate regularly in professional development activities to effectively deliver an accurate nutrition education program as planned.
- Child nutrition staff, teachers, physical educators, nurses and other school personnel will coordinate the promotion of nutrition messages in the cafeteria, the classroom and other appropriate settings.
- Nutrition Education will involve sharing information with families and the broader community to positively impact students and the health of the community.
Physical Activity and Promotion
Uplift Education schools shall implement, in accordance with law, a coordinated health program with physical education and physical activity components and shall offer at least the required amount of physical activity for all grades.
In addition, Uplift Education schools established the following goals for physical activity:
- Scholars in grades K-6 with shall strive to provide a minimum average of 30 minutes of physical education per day (135 minutes per week) to all full day scholars.
- Uplift Education schools will provide an environment that fosters safe and enjoyable fitness activities for all students, including those who are not participating in competitive sports and those who may be athletically gifted.
- Physical Education classes will regularly emphasize moderate to vigorous activity.
- Physical Education will encourage life long physical activity and wellness through the instruction of individual and team based activities.
- Uplift Education will not disproportionately emphasize team sports.
- Uplift Education schools will encourage teachers to integrate physical activity into the academic curriculum where appropriate.
- Before school and after school physical activity programs will be offered when appropriate and students will be encouraged to participate.
- Uplift Education schools will encourage parents to support their children’s participation to be active role models and to include physical activity in family events.
- Uplift Education schools will encourage students, staff and community members to use the school’s recreational facilities that are available outside of the school day.
- Teachers and other school and community personnel will not use physical activity (e.g. running laps, pushups) or withhold opportunities for physical activity (e.g. recess, physical education) as a form of punishment.
Nutritional Guidelines
Uplift Education schools shall ensure that nutritional guidelines for reimbursable school meals shall be at least as restrictive as federal regulations and guidance and that all foods sold on each campus are in accordance with the USDA Smart Snacks Guidelines and Texas Nutrition Policy.
In addition to legal requirements, Uplift Education schools shall strive to achieve the following:
Food as Reward or Recognition
- Using free food to reward behavior or academic performance should be very limited, requiring justification and approval from a campus director.
- Free food cannot be provided until the participants lunch period has ended and cannot be used to supplant their lunch.
- Free food must be provided by the school, a teacher or an approved vendor and be nut-free.
Exempt Days from Participating in Meal Service Programs
- Before the school year begins, a school (Primary, Middle, or High) can formally request 3 schoolwide special days with campus operations where meal service is suspended at breakfast and/or lunch using the Activity Request Form.
- On Exempt Days, all foods must be provided free of charge to the scholars during the school day.
Uplift Campus Fundraisers and Food Sold on Campus (vending machines)
- Campus fundraisers and foods sold on campus that meet the Smart Snack rules can be sold during the school day in accordance with the time and place restrictions as established by the Texas Nutrition Policy and with approval using the Activity Request Form. Ready-to-eat food sales can’t compete with meal services.
- Campus food fundraisers that do not meet the Smart Snack rules cannot be sold during the school day.
- Failure to properly track and maintain documentation of foods sold during the school day can affect school meal funding when identified in TDA administrative reviews.
School Meals
- Uplift Education’s goal is to meet and exceed the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act 2010 (HHFKA) requirements in all applicable schools across our school network.
CNP and School Wellness References:
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DietaryGuidelines.htm
- American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance http://www.aahperd.org/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/index.html
- Nutrition.gov http://www.nutrition.gov/
- Texas Department of Agriculture and Smart Snacks Regulations www.squaremeals.org
- My plate (the new food pyramid) www.choosemyplate.gov
- Alliance for Healthier Generation and Smart Snacks product calculator www.healthiergernation.org.
School Wellness Policy Printable PDF
Civil Rights Policy and Claims
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
1. Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Civil Rights Procedure Printable PDF
Civil Rights Complaint Form Printable PDF
Job Opportunities
Join Our School Cafeteria Team!
We’re offering exciting opportunities to become a valued member of our school nutrition team. Help make a difference by providing healthy, delicious meals to our students each day!
What You’ll Do:
- Prepare and serve nutritious meals
- Maintain a clean and safe kitchen environment
- Follow health and safety regulations
Why Join Us?
- Competitive wages
- Full-time and part-time (6 hrs) positions available
- Make a positive impact in your school community
Be a part of something meaningful—apply today!
Join us in making a significant impact on the academic and physical well-being of our scholars!
- View our current openings!
- Read more about our Hiring Process!
- Read more about our Perks!
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.