School Meals
Annual School Meal Application - Important for Funding and Benefits
Each school year, we ask all families to complete the free/reduced-price school meal application at ezmealapp.com, regardless of your income. Completing this application is crucial for two key reasons:
School Funding: Even if you do not plan to use the free lunch program, every application submitted helps our school receive vital funding.
Eligibility for Benefits: If your child qualifies for "free" or "reduced" meals, you will receive an Eligibility Letter that can be used to demonstrate eligibility for other benefits and programs.
If you need assistance with the application, please contact the Office of Family Equity and Engagement at 510-644-8991.
Breakfast
BUSD Nutrition Services serves all students a free breakfast every day.
Lunch
BUSD Nutrition Services serves all students a free lunch every day. Students who opt to bring lunch from home should follow these guidelines:
Nutritious Foods: Pack nutritious foods in a lunch box or sturdy bag.
Zero-Waste Lunch: We encourage zero-waste lunches with reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging.
Prohibited Items: As part of school rules and BUSD nutrition guidelines, candy, chips, soda, and gum are not allowed at school.
Green Waste in the Cafeteria
Recycling and Composting: Sylvia Mendez has green waste bins and recycling set up in the cafeteria. Students are asked to separate their trash and food waste after eating.
Reducing Landfill Waste: This "going green" initiative helps reduce the amount of cafeteria waste that goes to landfills.
Help from Home: When sending food from home, please also aim for zero-waste with reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging.