St. Gabriel participates in the National School Lunch Program. The Archdiocese of Louisville Finance Office oversees the program for the entire Archdiocese. As a participant, our lunch program follows certain guidelines outlined by the USDA and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. As a participant in the NSLP, our school’s lunch program receives high-quality, government-donated commodities such as cheese, beans, fruits, vegetables, ground beef, turkey, and other foods declared surplus by the USDA. We also receive fresh fruits and vegetables purchased through the Department of Defense buying network. This program has enabled students to enjoy fresh items such as kiwi fruit, pineapple spears, strawberries, oranges, mini-carrots, and celery sticks.

MEAL PATTERN: The NSLP has a minimum requirement of foods that are offered in our school. Here is an outline of those requirements:

• Milk – 8 oz.
• Meat/Meat Alternative – 2 oz.
• Fruits/Vegetables – ¾ cup plus ½ cup over a week
• 1 cup (8th grade)
• Grains & Breads – 12 servings per week
• 15 servings per week (8th grade)

PROGRAM COSTS: The lunch program supports itself at no cost to our School or Parish. Commodities meet less than one-fourth of the total food costs for our lunch program. The remaining costs are covered by reimbursements from the USDA (24¢ per student lunch) and from income generated through ala Carte and meal sales to students and adults. Adult meals and meals for those students not in grades Pre- K through 8 are not subsidized and are sold at a price that covers all costs. Lunch prices are determined by the Archdiocese Finance Office.

LUNCH PRICES:       

• Students: $2.25(this includes milk)
  
• Adults: $3.75
• Children: $2.75 (not attending St. Gabriel)
• Milk: 45¢
• Juice: 30¢
• 8 oz. Water: 50¢
• Entrée: $1.25
• Snack Items & Flavored Water: 50¢ and 75¢
  

Soft drinks, food purchased at fast food restaurants, etc., are not allowed during the lunch period. This violates state regulations.

FREE & REDUCED LUNCH: Free and reduced-price meals are available to students who qualify. Attached you will find a current application. Applications are also available in the school office and on the school website. If you have been qualified for free and reduced lunches you will need to fill out an application for the new school year for the free or reduced-price service to continue. There is a short grace period at the beginning of the school year. Applications may be filed at any time throughout the year.  All information is kept strictly confidential. Please note that the allowable income has been increased.

STUDENT ACCOUNTS: We use a computerized system to keep the student lunch accounts. Each student has a PIN to access the account. This gives parents several options:

• Cash on Account – all purchases are made on the account
• Prepaid Lunches Only – lunches are paid for in advance, student will not be able to purchase ala carte items unless they have cash
• Combined – money can be put into the cash account and Pre-Paid Lunches

PAY FOR THE YEAR: Lunch for the entire year may be pre-paid at registration for $376.20. Seventh grade lunches for the year are $371.80. Eighth grade lunches for the year are $363.00. Many parents find that it saves them money and adds to the convenience of school lunch. This allows the student lunches only, ala carte items must be purchased separately.

SECOND ENTRÉE: Students and visitors may purchase a second entrée for $1.25.
We ask that students let the teacher know in the morning if they wish to purchase a second entrée such as a pizza, hamburger, chicken pattie, etc. Students must have money in the account to purchase second entrees. If they have a deficit account, any money given to the cashier will go toward the account, not the purchase of a second entrée.

LINE SERVERS: Each family has the opportunity to earn back part of their PTSO fee by working with us in the cafeteria for a couple of hours at serving time. You get to see the students in action, meet other parents, and learn more about the lunch program. If interested, you can sign up for the days that are convenient to you at Open House in August. Each time you work you will get $13.50. If you need more information, it will be available to you at that time.

FOOD ALLERGIES: Please let us know if your student has any type of food allergies. We will mark the account so it will come up with the student’s profile. Also, the state requires a doctor’s statement to be on file. Any information you need regarding ingredients for the foods we serve is available upon request.

The August menu will be available at the Open House and on the website in August.

Contact Us:
502-212-4058
502-239-5535; ext 501
Cafeteria@stgabriel.net
bbierly@stgabriel.net