Food & Nutrition Services
The mission of the Food Service Department of the Hudson School District is to make children as passionate about eating our food as we are about making it. In our mind turning a previously picky eater into a food enthusiast with a healthy palette is music to our ears.
Our menus run the gamut from healthy kid favorites to culinary creations. Every day, we offer a menu to delight diverse palates, dietary restrictions, and preferences. We know that good nutrition is essential to the learning process.
We pride ourselves in providing freshly prepared, nutritious lunches at a reasonable cost in a safe and pleasant environment. Our program follows the nutritional requirements of the National School Lunch Program.
Meal prices for 2025 – 2026:
| Elementary Schools | Middle School | High School | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | $1.75 | $1.75 | $2.25 |
| Lunch | $2.85 | $2.95 | $3.35 |
| Milk | $0.50 | $0.50 | $0.50 |
View the Hudson School District’s meal charging policy.
As always, if you have any question please contact the Food Service Department by calling (603) 886-1245, M-F 7:30am – 3:00pm or email Karen Atherton at katherton@sau81.org.
Food Services Manager Opening at Hills Garrison
We are currently looking for a Food Service Manager at Hills Garrison Elementary School who has food service experience. The position is full-time with benefits and the full description can be found here.
Upcoming Change in A La Carte Pricing
As a quick reminder for families, a message was sent last week regarding an upcoming change to the cost of à la carte food items effective November 1. The full message can be found below:
"Please note that effective November 1, the cost of à la carte food items available for students will increase by $0.10 to $0.25, depending on the item. The price rise is necessary due to an increase in food and labor costs. Examples of à la carte items include chips, beverages, and cookies. The cost of a standard breakfast and lunch will remain unchanged."
Our goal is to provide well-balanced, reasonably priced meals in a safe and friendly environment, while meeting all USDA regulations and guidelines.
The Hudson School District uses a computerized ‘point of sale' debit meal payment system. This system allows you to "deposit" money into your child's account, and funds will automatically be deducted from his/her account when cafeteria meals are purchased, using a unique 4-digit personal identification number (PIN) assigned to your child. Since this is a debit system, students will not be allowed to charge, so please plan accordingly.
Visit the LINQ Connect webpage. LINQ Connect also has a mobile app that you can use to manage your account. Please note that there is a fee associated with using the service that is 3.95% of the amount being placed on the account or a minimum of $2.85.
Guidance on Fees for Electronic Payment Services in the School Meal Programs
Completing the free and reduced price school meal application is highly encouraged for all households! Physical applications can be submitted all year long to your child(ren)'s school and / or the Food Service Office at the SAU building at 20 Library Street and can be done online on LinqConnect's site.
US Food & Nutrition Services offers applications in multiple languages: USDA Translated Applications
Free and Reduced Meals - Details
Students requiring meal modifications must have their physician complete a Special Dietary Medical form. Paper copy of this form is available in the nurse's office and the Food Service department. The form must be completed and signed every school year for a student with a disability before the school cafeteria can provide any modifications or substitutions.
The Hudson School District Nutrition Services will make modifications and substitutions to the regular school meals per federal regulations for a student with a disability that restricts their diet.
The completed form must be provided to the Food Services Department and the School Nurse. If you child does not have a disability requiring meals modification, you DO NOT need to complete this form.
- Have the Special Diet Prescription Form completed and signed by a licensed physician if the student has a disability.
- Regulations require that this documentation be on file for each student who receives a special meal. This documentation must be on file in the school cafeteria and nurse’s office.
- The school nurse or other health professional may suggest that the special dietary needs be included in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) or the 504 Plan, as appropriate.
The School District will try to accommodate special dietary needs for students without a disability if possible. However, the school is not required to serve special meals to all children with diet restrictions. Such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the district and must be supported by the same Special Dietary Medical form signed by an authorized licensed medical authority.
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter 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;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Food & Nutrition Services Wellness Minute
Make sure to check in with new updates as we aim to inform our community with the best ways to stay happy and healthy!
October 13-17 is National School Lunch Week. Here are ten facts about school lunches that will make you feel good about the meals being served to your children:
1. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is for all students – Though the NSLP allows schools to provide free and reduced lunches to income-eligible students, the meals provided are not just for students of low-income families. All students can enjoy and benefit from the nutritious meals offered in their school’s lunchroom.
2. School lunches follow the Dietary Guidelines – Every five years, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) publishes an updated version of their Dietary Guidelines. These guidelines provide well-researched advice for healthy eating habits that will reduce the risk of diseases associated with dietary intake. The NSLP requires all lunches to align with the current dietary guidelines, which means students who eat school lunches are developing healthy eating habits that will serve them well throughout their lives!
3. School lunches are age-specific – The new NSLP regulations now require schools to provide appropriate portion sizes and calories to students based on their age. Portion sizes are individualized for K-5th grade students, 6th – 8th grade students, and 9th – 12th grade students.
4. School lunches are balanced – In light of the rising rates of obesity and chronic disease in the U.S., the need for proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle is clearer than ever. The NSLP aims to ensure that the meals students are receiving in school are healthy and well balanced. School lunches now feature a variety of vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy, and whole grains.
5. School lunches offer a rainbow of color – It is no secret that vegetables and fruits are important components of a healthy diet. Vegetables and fruits are found in a variety of colors, each of which provides different nutrients. To help students gain all of the nutritional benefits of vegetables and fruits, school lunches are required to provide a specific variety of produce each week.
6. Sodium is on its way out – Sodium is commonly found in salty foods but can be found in many other foods as well. Children can easily adjust to salty tastes and develop preferences for salty flavors, with negative long-term consequences to their eating habits and health. In order to help reduce the amount of sodium in students’ diets and to encourage their preferences for less salty flavors, the NSLP is now requiring schools to gradually reduce the sodium content in meals.
7. Dairy is still present – Growing children require adequate calcium to support their bones. Dairy products are excellent sources of calcium. Though milk was previously offered as part of the NSLP, the new regulations require schools to only offer low-fat or fat-free milk and dairy products. Low-fat dairy products provide students with an appropriate dose of calcium, without a lot of fat and calories that can contribute to obesity and heart disease.
8. School lunches include more whole grains – Whole grains provide a variety of nutrients as well as fiber. Fiber helps keep children fuller longer so that they can focus on what is being taught in the classroom, not on their growling stomachs. The NSLP is requiring schools to make at least half of the grains served at lunch whole.
9. School lunches are cost-effective – The NSLP’s new regulations have revamped school food into more nutritious and wholesome meals while still at a low cost. Students that are eligible for free and reduced lunches receive meals that are packed with nutrition but cost less than $0.40 per day. Students that are not eligible for free or reduced lunch are still receiving a bargain by purchasing school lunches. Quite often, the price paid for a healthy school lunch is less than the price of a packed meal from home. Many schools also offer budget-friendly payment options for parents, such as payment plans and online accounts.
10. School lunches support academic success – Students spend around 6 hours per day in the classroom. Without the proper fuel, though, students can quickly run out of steam and lose interest in schoolwork. Nutritious meals, such as those provided by the NSLP, provide students with adequate fuel that can keep them energized and focused all day. Plus, a healthy diet will also support a healthy immune system, which means fewer sick days for your children!
Establish Routines: Begin setting a consistent bedtime and wake-up time a week or two before school begins. This helps children adjust to the school schedule and ensures they get enough sleep.
Visit the School: All schools are hosting a welcome event on Friday, August 22. Familiarizing them with the environment can help ease their anxiety.
Create a Family Calendar: Organize all family activities, school events, and important dates in a shared calendar. This helps everyone stay on the same page and manage their time effectively.
Prepare School Supplies: Involve your children in shopping for school supplies and organizing their backpacks. This can make them feel more excited and prepared for the new school year.
Discuss Expectations: Talk openly about what to expect on the first day of school. Discuss their feelings and any concerns they may have, which can help them feel supported and prepared.
Encourage Social Connections: Help you child connect with classmates before school starts. This can be through playdates or community events, which can ease the transition and build friendships.
Healthy Habits: Encourage healthy eating and physical activity as part of the back-to-school routine. This supports overall well-being and helps children focus better in school.
By implementing these strategies, families can create a supportive environment that helps children transition back to school with confidence and ease.
Wishing you all a fantastic School Year!
1: Infuse structure into your child’s summer. During the school year, children must get up and get going, but this may not be the case during the summer. Set up a routine that gets them moving. This may involve going to summer camp, taking walks, going to swim lessons, or just having a standing playdate with friends. Also going to bed at a similar time during the summer as during the school year will help your child to be rested and active the next day.
2: Be prepared for the weather. Heat, humidity, and inclement weather are common barriers to outdoor physical activity. Take advantage of mornings before it really heats up. Water activities can help beat the heat, but also have indoor physical activity options ready to go, like online yoga and PE videos geared towards kids. Kids love dance parties, playing twister, turning board games into active play by running after the dice and adding jumping jacks in between turns. On bad weather days, check out local climbing gyms, indoor playgrounds, or bowling alleys.
3: Place limits on screen time. If given the choice, many kids will pick screen time over going outside to play. However, if screen time is limited, they may find something more active to do. One idea is to set your devices to not be accessible during school hours (even during summer) and only allow a pre-specified number of hours of screen time.
4: Find a buddy. Kids are more likely to be active when other kids are around. Scheduling playdates, getting involved in a local kids group like scouts or a sports team are great ways to help kids maintain social relationships and encourage active play during summer.
Enjoy the summer!
Here are some tips for incorporating fruits and vegetables into your child’s diet.
Make It Fun: Create colorful fruit and veggie skewers or use cookie cutters to make fun shapes.
Sneak Them In: Blend veggies into sauces and smoothies. For example, add spinach to a smoothie or puree carrots into a pasta sauce.
Offer Dips: Pair veggies with tasty dips like hummus or low-fat ranch dressing, and fruits with yogurt or peanut butter.
Bake With Them: Add shredded veggies like carrots or zucchini to muffins, pancakes or bread. Use pureed fruits like bananas or applesauce as a natural sweetener in baked goods.
Serve as Snacks: Keep washed and cut fruits and veggies in plain sight on the counter or in the refrigerator for easy snacking.
Be a Role Model: Eat more fruits and vegetables yourself to set a positive example.
Include them in Meals: Add a fruit or vegetable to every meal. For example, put fruit on cereal, add a small salad to lunch, or serve veggies with a dip for an after school snack.
By making fruits and vegetables appealing and accessible, you can help your child develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
Keeping kids active during the cold winter months can be a fun and rewarding challenge. Encourage indoor activities like dance parties, obstacle courses, or yoga sessions to keep them moving. Bundle up and explore the outdoors with activities like sledding, building snowmen, or going for a brisk walk. Remember, the key is to make physical activity enjoyable and a part of your daily routine. Not only does it help burn off energy, but it also promotes a healthy lifestyle and strengthens family bonds. Stay active and have fun!
Here are some tips on ensuring your children stay happy and healthy during the holiday season:
Stay Hydrated: Encourage kids to drink plenty of water, even if they're enjoying festive drinks like hot cocoa. Staying hydrated helps maintain energy levels and overall health.
Balanced Nutrition: While holiday treats are fun, try to balance them with nutritious foods. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in meals.
Hand Hygiene: Remind children to wash their hands frequently, especially before eating and after playing outside. This simple habit can prevent the spread of germs.
Manage Stress: The holidays can be overwhelming. Focus on meaningful traditions and spend quality time with family rather than striving for perfection.
Get Enough Sleep: Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is crucial, even during the holidays. Adequate rest helps children stay healthy and happy.
Stay Active: Encourage physical activity, whether it's playing outside, going for a family walk, or participating in indoor exercises. Staying active supports both physical and mental health.
Dress Warmly: Ensure kids are dressed in layers to stay warm and dry when playing outside. Proper clothing can prevent cold-related illnesses.
These tips can help families enjoy a healthy and happy holiday season!
Variety is key:
Choose a mix of different fruits and vegetables to get a wider range of nutrients.
Pre-cut and prep:
Cut vegetables into easy-to-eat sizes like sticks or slices to encourage consumption.
Dips and spreads:
Provide a healthy dip like hummus, guacamole, or yogurt dip to pair with vegetables.
Fruit salad:
Combine different fruits for a refreshing and convenient option.
Add to sandwiches:
Incorporate sliced vegetables like tomato, cucumber, lettuce, or spinach into sandwiches.
Mini-portions:
Use small containers to portion out fruits and vegetables for easy snacking.
Consider frozen option:
Frozen grapes or berries can be a great addition to a lunchbox, especially if you need a colder option.
Let them help:
Allowing children to help prepare the fruits and vegetables allows them to get excited to eat their handiwork.
Examples of fruits and vegetables to pack:
Fruits: apples, bananas, grapes, berries, oranges, pineapple chunks, mandarins, melon cubes, plums
Vegetables: carrots, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, snap peas, baby spinach, cauliflower florets
Here are some of the reasons students are encouraged to take a fruit or vegetable with their meal:
1. Nutritional Balance: Fruits and vegetables are essential for a balanced diet. They provide vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber, which are crucial for growth and development.
2. Healthy Eating Habits: Encouraging students to eat fruit & vegetables helps establish healthy eating habits early in life. This can lead to better dietary choices as they grow older.
3. Improved Academic Performance: Studies have shown that students who consume a nutritious diet, including fruits and vegetables, tend to have better concentration, memory and overall academic performance.
4. Compliance with Federal Guidelines: School meal programs must meet nutrition standards set by federal guidelines, such as the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. These standards require inclusion of fruits and vegetable to ensure meals are nutritionally adequate.
5. Combatting Childhood Obesity: Including fruits and vegetables in school meals helps combat childhood obesity by providing low-calorie, nutrient dense food options.
These measures aim to promote overall health and well-being among students, setting them up for a healthier future.
Below are some of the positive aspects of your student participating in school breakfast:
1. Improved Academic Performance: Students who eat breakfast tend to have better concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills. This can lead to improved academic performance and higher test scores.
2. Better Health: A nutritious breakfast provides essential vitamins and minerals that children need for growth and development. It can also help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Enhanced Behavior and Mood: Eating breakfast can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which can improve mood and behavior. Students who eat breakfast are less likely to be irritable and more likely to be attentive and engaged in class.
4. Reduced Absenteeism: Students who participate in school breakfast programs are less likely to miss school. Regular attendance is crucial for academic success and overall well-being.
5. Social Benefits: School breakfast programs can provide a sense of community and belonging. Sharing a meal with peers can foster social interactions and build positive relationships.
1. Develop a regular sleep schedule.
2. Set up a soothing sleep environment.
3. Put younger children to bed while they’re awake.
4. Set limits.
5. Cut off screen time.
6. Schedule quiet time before bed.
7. Be mindful about drinks too close to bed time, to help decrease bathroom runs.
8. Avoid caffeine products later in the day and watch for products that contain caffeine after lunch time.
9. No going to bed hungry (or too full).
10. No playing in bed, no TV, no games.
Sleep is important for all ages! Sleep problems are common among many young children and teens and can affect their focus while at school, work, or home. Not enough sleep can also affect their mood, behavior, emotional health and weight.
Sleep patterns may change as children get older so make it a family priority to get enough sleep!