Sign Up for Your MySchoolBucks Account!

School will be in session before you know it! Make sure your child has money in his/her lunch account by signing up for your very own MYSCHOOLBUCKS ACCOUNT!

Amazing MySchoolBucks features include:

• Low balance limits set by parents/guardians

• Scheduled recurring payment options

• Automatic deposits when your account balance runs low

• Multiple payment options including major debit and credit cards and electronic check

• Extended 90-day student purchase history

• Low balance email notifications

• Single account use for multiple children for easier fund management and fewer fees

Enrollment is Easy!

1. Go to myschoolbucks.com and click “Register for an Account”.

2. Create an account for you and your children.

3. Prepay with your credit, debit, or electronic check.

(Note: A small service fee is applied to payments)

Register for your FREE account today!

www.myschoolbucks.com

The Free and Reduced Meal Online Application is READY!

The Free and Reduced Meal Online Application is READY! 

Remember to reapply for free and reduced school meals online! 

TO APPLY: Log into: www.cfbisd.schoollunchapp.com or www.cfbisdnutrition.com

Remember: A student ID is required to apply. New students will need to be enrolled to obtain a student ID# to apply.

NEW THIS YEAR! Free and reduced application statuses will be sent to the email address

 provided on your online applications! 

No need to wait for your status to come in the mail! 

Statuses can also be viewed online within 10 days after applying! 

TO VIEW: Log on to www.schoollunchstatus.com 

If you have any questions, please call Student Nutrition at 972.968.6390.

The Free and Reduced Meal Online Application is READY!

The Free and Reduced Meal Online Application is READY! 

Remember to reapply for free and reduced school meals online! 

TO APPLY: Log into: www.cfbisd.schoollunchapp.com or www.cfbisdnutrition.com

Remember: A student ID is required to apply. New students will need to be enrolled to obtain a student ID# to apply.

NEW THIS YEAR! Free and reduced application statuses will be sent to the email address 

provided on your online applications! 

No need to wait for your status to come in the mail! 

Statuses can also be viewed online within 10 days after applying! 

TO VIEW: Log on to www.schoollunchstatus.com 

If you have any questions, please call Student Nutrition at 972.968.6390.

Student Nutrition is Online and Paper-Free

Student Nutrition is Online and Paper-Free! 

Remember to (re)apply for free or reduced school meals online in August 2014!

2013-1014 Free and Reduced Meal Status will expire at the beginning of next year.

TO APPLY: Log on to: www.cfbisd.schoollunchapp.com

NEW THIS YEAR! Free and reduced application statuses will be sent to the email address provided on your online application! No need to wait for your status to come in the mail! 

Statuses can also be viewed online within 10 days after applying! 

TO VIEW: Log on to www.schoollunchstatus.com 

Meal pre-payments can also be completed online through our website! 

TO REGISTER: Log on to: www.myschoolbucks.com

If you have any questions, please call Student Nutrition at 972.968.6390.

Summer Feeding Starts Today! Don't Miss Out!

STARTING TODAY AND TOMORROW! 

Don't forget that Student Nutrition will be offering free summer feeding to students at the following sites and times: 

* Long Middle School (2525 Frankford Rd, Dallas, TX 75287)

Breakfast: June 10-June 25, 8:10-8:30 am

* Perry Middle School (1709 E Belt Line Rd, Carrollton, TX 75006)

Breakfast: June 10-June 25, 8:00-8:35 am 

* Central Elementary (1600 S Perry Rd, Carrollton, TX 75006)

Breakfast: June 9-July 2, 7:30-9:00 am

Lunch: June 9-July 2, 11:30-1:00 pm

* Blair Elementary (14055 Heartside Pl, Farmers Branch, TX 75234)

Breakfast: June 10-August 8, 7:30-9:00 am

Lunch: June 10-August 8, 11:30-1:00 pm

* Rosemeade Elementary (3550 Kimberly Dr, Carrollton, TX 75007)

Breakfast: June 10-June 25, 7:30- 8:00 am

* Good Elementary (1012 Study Lane Carrollton, TX 75006)

Breakfast: June 10-June 25, 7:30- 8:00 am

* Sheffield Intermediate Elementary (3030 Fyke Road

Farmers Branch, TX 75234) 

Breakfast: June 10-June 25, 7:30-7:50 am

Please have your children join us for healthy and delicious meals!

Lunch Served on Early Release Days!

Don't forget that Wednesday, June 4th and Thursday, June 5th are Early Release Days! Are you stressing about how you'll find time to pick up and feed your children those days? Well, there is no need to stress! C-FB Elementary and Middle Schools will be offered breakfast and lunch on both days!

School's Out for the Summer!

Student Nutrition would like to wish each and every one of our students and their families a very healthy, happy summer! We can't wait to see each of you back in the Fall!

Fruit of the Month: Plums (May 30)

Plums

These tasty treats are "plum" good and pretty tasty too! Plums can come in a variety of colors but are typically red or purple. When plums are dried, they are known as prunes which help to keep our digestive systems healthy. These precious plums are packed with nutrients including vitamins C, K and A. A single medium-size plum has only 35 calories and is low in fat and sodium- and cholesterol-free. Make sure to pick a plum on May 30th!

Enjoy some "plum" good picks with these recipes: http://www.cookinglight.com/food/in-season/plum-recipes-00412000071882/

Happy Mother's Day

The Student Nutrition Department would like to wish all of you hardworking mothers out there a very Happy Mother's Day! We hope each of you has a well-deserved, wonderful day! 

Food Explorer of the Month: Kale ( May 7)

Kale

Gaining in popularity, kale is an amazing vegetable being recognized for its exceptional nutrient richness, health benefits, and delicious flavor.  A leafy green, kale is available in curly, ornamental, or dinosaur varieties. It belongs to the Brassica family that includes cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, collards, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. The delicious vegetable is high in vitamins K, A, and C. It has also been shown by research to lower risk of cancer and to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Explore the last vegetable of the year, Italian Kale on May 7^th!

Create tasty dishes with kale from the recipes here: http://www.cookinglight.com/food/in-season/kale-recipes-00412000074204/

Grab Local, Grab Fresh!

When was the last time you checked out your local farmer's market or grabbed some local produce? There are many benefits for you and your family to eat fresh, local foods! Read more: http://ow.ly/w4DtH

 

Fruit of the Month: Strawberries (April 28)

Strawberries

Strawberries is a superfruit of choice by many Texans! They have a great aroma, bright color, juicy texture, and a sweet taste. These fresh fruits are tiny but nutrient-dense! They are ranked in the top 50 best sources of antioxidants in commonly eaten foods. They pack a mean punch of Vitamin C and other heart-healthy nutrients. They are low in sugar and have fewer than 25 calories per 1/2 cup. Stack up the strawberries on your plate on April 28th!

Enjoy some delicious strawberry recipes here: http://www.cookinglight.com/food/in-season/healthy-strawberry-recipes-00412000067251/

Spring Has Sprung In C-FB Kitchens!

Check out some of the beautiful Spring décor that can be found in C-FB Kitchens!

Teddy Bear Toast to the Rescue!

Having trouble coming up with healthy, creative snacks that get your kids excited about eating right? No problem! You can check out our Pinterest page for some great, easy, and fun ideas for healthy snacking at home: http://ow.ly/vvLcy

Grab on to Good Nutrition!

Grabbing onto good nutrition habits can be difficult but it is worth the energy! Check out some of the great tips you can use to help you and your family take the time to develop healthy habits: http://ow.ly/vvJLc

To Eat Out or Not to Eat Out

How often do you and your family eat away from home? The US Department of Agriculture recently published this study saying that almost 10% of Americans eat away from home 8 or more times per week. Eating at home encourages healthy eating habits and improved communication amongst family members. Read more here: http://ow.ly/v4YSc

Food Explorer of the Month: Butternut Squash (April 15)

Butternut Squash

Butternut squash also known in Australia and New Zealand as butternut pumpkin has a sweet, nutty taste similar to that of a pumpkin.   It has yellow skin and orange fleshy pulp.   It grows on a vine and when ripe, it turns increasingly deep orange, and becomes sweeter and richer.  It is prepared by removing the skin, stalk, and seeds, which are not usually eaten or cooked. However, the seeds are edible, either raw or roasted, and the skin is also edible and softens when roasted. Butternut squash is known to be high in dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, folate, and carotenoids. Eating this heart-healthy item can decrease your risk of heart disease and inflammatory conditions.  Investigate butternut squash on April 15^th; you will be surprised at its sweetness!

Break out the butternut squash with tasty recipes here: http://www.cookinglight.com/food/top-rated-recipes/healthy-butternut-squash-recipes-00400000055219/

 

Decorate Your Plate with Dairy

Dairy products decorate your diet with calcium-rich foods! Dairy products include milk, cheese, and yogurt! These products provide protein, calcium, vitamins A and D, and potassium! You should aim to have 2-3 cups of fat-free or low-fat dairy daily. To maximize the nutrients while reducing the fat, you should always select the fat-free and low-fat dairy products.

Check out some more dashing dairy tips here: http://ow.ly/uf36H

Vary Your Vegetables

Vegetables of all varieties have a vast amount of benefits! They provide a ton of great nutrients including carbohydrate, fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and phytonutrients. It is recommended that you and your family consume 2.5-3 cups of vegetables daily. To get the maximum amount of nutrients, it is always best to VARY YOUR VEGETABLES! Here are some great tips to help with your vegetable intake:
- Try new, different vegetables each week
- Select different colored vegetables to get more nutrients
- Choose fresh and frozen over canned to reduce sodium intake

Check out some great tips for selecting and preparing vegetables here: http://ow.ly/uf28a and http://ow.ly/uf292

Grab Grains for Greatness

Grab grains for greatness! Grain products include whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, and pasta. These foods provide carbohydrates for energy, fiber for a healthy digestive system, B-vitamins for energy release, and iron for a healthy immune system! You should sneak in 3-8 ounces of grains daily. When selecting grains, MAKE HALF YOUR GRAINS WHOLE by selecting whole grain items with wheat, rice, oats, or corn that is referred to as "whole" on the ingredient label!

Check out more great grain tips here: http://ow.ly/uf2Dz and http://ow.ly/uf2FV

Fruit of the Month: Tangerine (March 21)

Tangerine

Known for their loose and easy-to-peel skin, you can zip one open and enjoy the very sweet sections for a delicious snack. Tangerines are a delicious snack that are low in calories, cholesterol and fat-free, and high in vitamin C! Enjoy a tasty tangerine on March 21!

Enjoy tasty tangerine recipes here: http://www.sunkist.com/recipes/tangerine-recipes.aspx

Fun-Filled Fruits for Nutrients

Fruits are a fabulous way to fill up your plate with valuable nutrients! These healthy nutrients include carbohydrate, fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium and help maintain your heart health, keep your skin and eyes healthy, manage your blood pressure, and reduce risk of chronic diseases. It is recommended that you have 1-2 cups of fruit daily from a variety of fruits! You and your family should EAT THE RAINBOW!

Check out some great ways to incorporate fruits into your family's daily diet here: http://ow.ly/uf1gU and http://ow.ly/uf1n2!!

Food Explorer of the Month: Red Cabbage (March 17)

 
Red Cabbage

The red cabbage is a sort of cabbage, also known as purple cabbage, red kraut, or blue kraut after preparation.   Its leaves are colored dark red/purple.  Red cabbage is often used for salads and coleslaw.   This vegetable can be eaten raw or cooked. It is the traditional accompanying side dish paired with many German meals—most notably, Sauerbraten. Red cabbage is packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamin K and B6, and potassium. Red cabbage, similarly to most cabbages, helps to keep cholesterol in check and decrease the risk of many different types of disease. Discover red cabbage on March 17^th!

Check out some tasty red cabbage recipes here: http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/health/series/recipes_for_health/red_cabbage/index.html

 

 

Protein Packs a Powerful Punch!

Protein packs a powerful punch! Protein includes meats, poultry, seafood, beans, peas, eggs, soy products, nuts, and seeds. It is recommended that you eat ~4-6 ounces per day, get your protein from a variety of the sources listed above, and GO LEAN WITH PROTEIN! You can keep your protein choices lean by:
- Choosing skinless chicken, turkey, fish, and lean cuts of beef
- Removing extra fat
- Choosing a healthier cooking method such as grilling, baking, and broiling
Check out more great tips for protein here: http://ow.ly/ueZVT

Whole-Food Snacking?

Do you feed your kids "whole-food snacks"? Whole-food snacks are offerings that provide valuable nutrients, incorporate multiple food groups, and encourage healthy habits in children. Check out some examples of whole-food snacks that your children can help you create here: http://ow.ly/tZhRx
You can also check out our Superb Snacking page on Pinterest for more ideas: http://ow.ly/tZii1

March into National Nutrition Month

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? March is an entire month that we get to celebrate the importance of nutrition in our own and our family's lives! To celebrate, we will be dedicating each of the next 5 weeks to a food group! This week will be proteins! Keep an eye out for our Powerful Protein posts!

Decreased Fruit and Vegetable Intake Related to Childhood Obesity

Eating fruits and vegetables provides us with a multitude of necessary nutrients. The American Academy of Pediatrics has published a study indicated that the high cost of fruits and vegetables may be related to the rise in childhood obesity. (http://ow.ly/tZge2) 

Purchasing fruits and vegetables that are in season can help to manage those costs while still being able to provide your family with these nutrient-rich items! Some great produce that is in season right now includes: oranges, spinach, kale, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes!

Middle School Staff Members

Check out our very own Bush and Perry Middle School Kitchen Staff Members showing off and being silly! Keep up the good work and great attitudes!

Healthy Behaviors Affect Children's Educational Success

Did you know that diet, exercise, and sleep play very large roles in the way your child performs in school, on tests, and in their general daily success? Research shows that children who maintain a regular, balanced diet, sleep 8 hours per night, and perform regular physical activity achieve higher test scores! Read more here: http://ow.ly/tZegv

CFB Cafeterias provide healthy breakfasts and lunches daily to help children succeed in the school environment and we encourage your children to join us!

Help Your Kids GO FOR GOLD!

Do your children aspire to be strong, healthy Olympians one day? Help your children go for the gold by feeding them tasty, healthy meals and snacks fit for an Olympic athlete! Our Pinterest page offers many great suggestions for doing just that! Check them out here: http://ow.ly/tP35i

Moms Make Healthy Meals

Coming up with fun, healthy meals to serve can be a daily struggle! Check out some great tips from these Registered Dietitians and moms:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20140219/LIVING/140219524/Healthy-quick-to-the-table-meals-kids-will-love-

Fruit of the Month: Grapefruit (February 7)

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is a tart and tangy treat with an underlying sweetness. This fruit can be purchased with or without seeds or in the white or pink variety. It provides an excellent source of vitamin C and it is also high in other antioxidants that help us stave of different types of disease and strengthen our immune system. It provides a great sources of vitamin A, potassium, folate and fiber to make this fruit a well-rounded package. Grab a grapefruit on February 7th!

Incorporate this great grapefruit in your recipes:  http://allrecipes.com/recipes/fruits-and-vegetables/fruits/citrus/grapefruits/

Food Explorer of the Month: Jicama (February 10)

Jicama

Jicama, or Mexican Turnip, is the name of a native Mexican vine, although the name most commonly refers to the plant's edible tuberous root.   The root's exterior is yellow and papery, while its inside is creamy white with a crisp texture that resembles raw potato or pear. The flavor is sweet and starchy, reminiscent of some apples or raw green beans, and it is usually eaten raw, sometimes with salt, lemon, or lime juice and chili powder. Jicama provides tons of dietary fiber, vitamin C and B-complex vitamins. Research has shown that this tasty vegetable promotes heart health and helps protect against the common cold and other infections. Explore jicama on February 10^th!

Enjoy jam-packed jicama recipes here: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Jicama-Carrot-and-Green-Apple-Slaw/Detail.aspx?evt19=1

Helping Children Form Healthy Habits

Snacks that we provide to children will help them to form either healthy or unhealthy habits that will stay with them for many years. A great way to make sure that your children snack on healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, etc. is to bag up healthy snack foods in the appropriate portions similar to the picture shown below:

Check out some of our other great healthy habit ideas on our Pinterest page! Tell us about some healthy habits you employ at home!

http://www.pinterest.com/cfbsns/healthy-habits/

Food Explorer of the Month: Edamame (January 27)

Edamame

 

Edamame is a green vegetable more commonly known as a soybean, harvested at the peak of ripening right before it reaches the "hardening" time. The word Edamame means "Beans on Branches," and it grows in clusters on bushy branches. To retain the freshness and its natural flavor, it is parboiled and quick-frozen. In East Asia, the soybean has been used for over two thousand years as a major source of protein. Edamame is consumed as a snack, a vegetable dish, used in soups or processed into sweets.  Edamame is high in antioxidants, quality protein, fiber, and phytoestrogens which can help prevent cancer and inflammatory infections. By providing protein, edamame also helps to keep you full longer. Uncover a new vegetable on January 27, when you try edamame salad! 

Enjoy edamame the tasty way here: http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/817339/Edamame-Recipes

 

Cleaning Up Meal Choices

How often do you think about cleaning up your meal choices. Check out these great tips to make your meals healthy: http://ow.ly/sxJNb

Cancelling Out the Clean Plate Club

Did you know that we are all born with inherent portion control? Our bodies tell us to stop eating when we have had enough food to eat and satisfied our hunger. Telling your children to "Clean their plate" or "Keep eating" when they have stopped encourages overeating and can ultimately override their inherent ability to know when to stop eating. Read more here: http://ow.ly/sxIKd http://ow.ly/i/4hkpq

Grocery Shop the Healthy Way

Attempting to grocery shop in a healthful way can be a exhausting and expensive! Check out these great tips broken down by each section of the grocery store to learn more about what to buy and what to avoid: http://ow.ly/sxHEX
 

Varying Your Vitamin D

Getting adequate Vitamin D is essential for your bone and immune system health. During the winter months, children don't spend as much time in the sun because it is too cold which can result in inadequate Vitamin D. Read more here to learn how to make sure you and your children get enough Vitamin D: http://ow.ly/siZc1

Welcome Back

C-FB would like to welcome back our students and staff from what we hope was a safe and happy holiday season! We would also like to encourage you to grab one of our healthy, tasty meals to help get back into the swing of things!

Healthy 2014 Resolutions

The new year of 2014 has begun and many of you are likely thinking of resolutions to kick it off! Making reasonable, healthy resolutions for you and your family can be a great way to ensure you have a great year! It is important to make your goals reasonable so that they are achievable for you and your family. Here are some healthy, family resolutions to consider:

- Spend more time outdoors with your kids: 20-30 min. a few times per week can help you and your children to be more active
- Encourage more family time without distractions: TV, video games, and other technology can distract from family time which should be about enjoying each other's company
- Eat more meals at home: Restaurants and fast food can be enticing because they are quick and easy but they can also be high in fat, sugar, and sodium. Eating at home encourages family time together, healthy eating habits, and allows you to have more control over what your child eats.
- Share meals together at the dinner table: Eating meals as a family provides time to catch up, enjoy companionship, and also share a healthy meal. With everyday distractions, meal time can be the best time to make sure you get quality time with your family.
- Eat breakfast every day: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Make sure that your children get it every day whether it is at home, school, or in the car to ensure that they get off to a great start! 
- Snack on fruits and vegetables daily: Snacking between meals to get energy is important but what we snack on is just as important. Grab different fruits and vegetables to get a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Prepare meals and snacks with your kids: Get your kids involved in prepping food so that they learn healthy habits and spend time with you!
- Make your plate like MyPlate: The MyPlate provides a great example of how to put together a healthy plate for your meals. Include all food groups and in the appropriate portions as seen below:

January's Did You Know...SCHOOL MEALS HAVE COME A LONG WAY!

SCHOOL MEALS HAVE COME A LONG WAY!

- Today, kids are offered healthy, tasty, and appealing choices that include:
         - Fresh fruits and vegetables
         - Whole grains
         - Reduced or no trans fat
         - Fresh salads
         - Pizza with whole wheat crust, low-fat cheese, and low-sodium sauce
         - Whole grain pasta
         - Baked items rather than fried items
- School meals must meet federal nutrition guidelines that limit fat and saturated fat, contain age-appropriate portion sizes, and provide the right balance of protein, dairy, grains, fruits, and vegetables for our students!

What healthy school meals have your children told you about?