Food Services » Program Information

Program Information

The operation of Magnolia School District's Food Services Program is similar to that of a stand-alone business, with one exception, a school food service program must comply with very strict rules and regulations set forth by the State and Federal Governments. Food Services is a self-sustaining program that does not receive money from the District's General Fund.

The Magnolia School District’s Food Services Program participates in the National School Lunch Program as well as several other State and federally funded Programs. Federal law requires school districts to establish a non-profit school food service program and further requires that Federal, State and local revenues received by the food service program be used only for the operation or improvement of such services. Revenue that is generated through the food service program, which is approximately $6,000,000.00 per year, is used to pay for food, supplies, equipment, maintenance, salaries, wages, benefits, and any other expenditure that the program may incur.

By taking part in the National School Lunch Program, Food Services receives reimbursements and donated commodities from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for each meal that is served. In return, we must serve lunches that meet Federal requirements.  The Magnolia School Districts currently operates under the Community Eligibility Provision, which means that meals are available to all students at no cost with no requirement for households to complete any eligibility applications.  

Under the direction of Brendan Shields, Director of Food Services, this department consists of the following positions: 9 Food Service Managers, 9 Food Service Assistant Managers, 35 Food Service Assistants, 1 Food Service Delivery Person, 1 Food Service Specialist, 2 Food Service Managers for District Wide Programs, and a Nutrition Coordinator.  Operating from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. this team is responsible for planning, preparing, and serving approximately:
  • 4,000 lunches per day across the Magnolia School District's nine school sites.  
  • 1,500 daily breakfasts, which are available at all sites throughout the District every morning before school starts.
  • 600 daily After School Snacks at all sites.
  • 1,400 hot Suppers served every afternoon.
  • 1,000's of meals served over the summer at various locations throughout the District.
 
One of the most unique aspects of the Magnolia School District's Food Services Program is that meals are not transported from a central kitchen facility.  Instead, meals are prepared on-site, at each school's fully equipped and fully staffed kitchen.  We are truly committed to sourcing most of our ingredients from local, California based, suppliers and growers.