Nutrition

Polk County participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Currently all schools served by Polk County Public Schools’ School Nutrition department participate, which means breakfast and lunch is provided at no cost to all students. CEP is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture as part of the National School Breakfast and Lunch Program.

Through our Bright Start Breakfast Program, every school in Polk County offers breakfast to students every day. You can save time and be confident that your child is getting a nutritious breakfast to fuel his/her day.  In addition to breakfast in the cafeteria, many schools offer options such as grab-n-go at locations throughout campus or breakfast in the classroom.

Students who have breakfast at school perform better on standardized tests; show improvements in their math grades, attendance and punctuality; are more likely to consume important vitamins and minerals; and are more likely to consume fruit and milk.

The School Nutrition department provides healthy meals in a welcoming dining environment. In addition to daily entrée choices, students can select from a variety of vegetable, fruit and milk options to make their meal complete.  Students are required to select at least one fruit or vegetable to “make it a meal.” Water is also available.

Ever heard of 5-2-1-0? Students can get all 5 of the recommended fruits and vegetables at school; 2 at breakfast and 3 at lunch! After that, encourage your kids to get no more than 2 hours of non-educational screen time, 1 hour of physical activity and 0 sugary drinks each day.

If your child needs a modification to the regular school meal, please complete a Diet Modification Form and return it to the school nutrition manager at your child’s school. In most cases, the form must be completed and signed by a state licensed health care professional. A parent can complete the form if the request is to provide lactose-free milk in place of regular milk or an alternative item for religious reasons (for example, no pork).

We accommodate most reasonable requests. Please ask the healthcare provider completing the form to be as specific as possible to help us accommodate the request correctly and as intended. For specific questions, call 863-647-4804, ext. 7, or e-mail dietmodifications@polk-fl.net

We are a proud provider of summer meals through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Summer BreakSpot program. Meals are free and available to anyone 18 years and younger. We have open sites at many of our schools as well as throughout the community. To find locations, during summer months, you can text “FoodFL” to 877-877, call 211 or visit www.summerbreakspot.org

There are great benefits to a career in school nutrition. The schedule is great: afternoons, weekends and holidays off! Full-time employees are eligible for benefits, including health insurance and retirement.

Step 1: Complete the Online Employment Application.

Step 2: E-mail schoolnutritionjobs@polk-fl.net with your application reference number, full legal name and phone number. You will immediately receive an e-mail with instructions.

Step 3: Supply copies of required documents to the hiring manager.

• Proof of 10th grade education (mandatory, no exceptions)
• Florida driver’s license or Florida ID card
• Social Security card (do not fax or e-mail)

Required documents can be e-mailed, faxed or delivered in person:

• E-mail: schoolnutritionjobs@polk-fl.net
• Fax: 863-647-4067
• Please e-mail or call 863-647-4804, ext. 1, for the location and time to deliver in person.