Fort Bend ISD Child Nutrition has proudly earned the prestigious Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Award for Innovation in Nutrition Education, placing the district among a select group of School Food Authorities (SFAs) recognized nationwide. This honor celebrates SFAs that have made significant strides in enhancing the nutritional quality of school meals and engaging students and families in meaningful nutrition education.

Submitted by Fort Bend ISD's dedicated dietitian, Susan Nayeri, the award application highlighted the department's commitment to connecting the classroom, cafeteria, community, and home through innovative nutrition education initiatives. Susan went above and beyond the requirements, submitting three qualifying activities; though only two were needed, to showcase the department's comprehensive approach to student wellness. 

The award criteria focused on impactful efforts made within the past 12 months, including:

• Providing nutrition education to students at all grade levels; elementary, middle, and high schools, reinforcing healthy habits throughout their academic journey.
• Involving students directly in the development and delivery of nutrition campaigns, including student-led surveys, taste-testing events, and promotional signage.
• Highlighting local agricultural products on school menus and in cafeterias across all campuses, reinforcing the importance of eating locally and supporting local farmers.

Fort Bend ISDs recognition is proudly featured on the Healthy Meals Incentives Awardee Map, available at https://healthymealsincentives.org/recognitionawardees/. Visitors can view the district's official award announcement and learn more about the innovative efforts that earned this national honor.

This recognition places Fort Bend ISD among the few schools in the Houston area and Region 4 to receive this national honor, further solidifying its role as a leader in school nutrition innovation. Looking ahead, Child Nutrition is committed to expanding nutrition education across more campuses. In partnership with the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) and HART student groups, the district is working to establish hydroponic gardens across campuses through targeted grant opportunities.

Our Child Nutrition's initiatives reflect the department's mission to provide nutritious meals that support academic success, economic stability, and community health. Through education and engagement, students learn not only what's on their plate, but where it comes from and why it matters.

One Application Can Make A Difference

Families can now apply online at www.schoolcafe.com/fbisd or through the SchoolCafé app. We encourage every family to apply. Your application helps support both your student and our school community.

Why Apply?

Even if your child doesn't eat school meals every day, submitting a Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application helps your school in BIG ways, such as:

• Reduced fees for academic testing and extracurricular activities
• Discount on internet services
• Reduced registration fees for academic tests

So even if you're not sure if you qualify, applying helps your child's school serve all students better. One application makes a BIG difference!

What's New This Year?

This school year, students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals will receive both breakfast and lunch for FREE every day. We encourage families to take advantage of this benefit. Who knows, you may qualify!

CEP Campuses

If your student is enrolled at one of the Fort Bend ISD Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) campuses, they will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch daily. Families will not have to complete an application. However, we ask all CEP families to complete the Income Survey at www.schoolcafe.com/fbisd. This helps ensure our schools continue receiving the funding and support our students deserve.

Completing the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application and Income Survey is a simple step that can make a BIG difference.

Learn how SchoolCafé makes applying for Free and Reduced meals easy and apply today at www.schoolcafe.com/fbisd.

On April 22, we’re going green with our Harvest of the Month: Broccoli!
Join us as we serve up broccoli trees during lunch in honor of Earth Day, because nothing says "love your planet" like eating your greens! 

Fort Bend ISD Receives Cream of the Crop Recognition for Farm Fresh Challenge

We are proud to announce that our school nutrition team has been honored with the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) Cream of the Crop Recognition for our outstanding participation in the 2024 Farm Fresh Challenge! This accolade highlights our commitment to incorporating fresh, local foods into school meals while educating students and the community about the importance of nutrition and local agriculture.

What is the Farm Fresh Challenge? The Farm Fresh Challenge is an annual initiative by the Texas Department of Agriculture that takes place every October. It encourages Child Nutrition Program operators across the state to serve local foods, teach students about local products and nutrition, and share their farm-to-school journey on social media. By pledging to participate, schools like ours demonstrate a dedication to promoting healthier food options and supporting Texas farmers.

Each year, the Challenge provides opportunities to engage students, staff, and the broader community in meaningful conversations about where food comes from and why eating local is beneficial. Participants who meet and exceed the Challenge’s goals earn recognition from TDA, and this year, Fort Bend ISD’s efforts were celebrated at the highest level with the Cream of the Crop award.

A New Tier for Excellence. This year’s Challenge introduced an exciting third tier to recognize participants who consistently go above and beyond. Fort Bend ISD rose to the occasion, setting a new standard for excellence. From creatively incorporating local produce into our menus to hosting engaging nutrition education activities, our school nutrition team showcased innovation and dedication every step of the way.

Looking ahead, we encourage everyone to join us in supporting the Farm Fresh Challenge. Whether it’s by exploring the benefits of eating local, participating in educational activities, or simply sharing the message on social media, there are many ways to get involved.

USDA's Farm Fresh Initiative: Cultivating a Healthier Future

Fort Bend ISD Child Nutrition is leading the way with innovative programs designed to enhance student health and wellness. Our department emphasizes the importance of connecting students with fresh, nutritious food and local farmers. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting healthy eating, our department has proudly taken the Farm Fresh Challenge Pledge, reinforcing our dedication to providing fresh, local food to our students. Visit our Farm Fresh Initiative page for more information.

The goal of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is to improve and maintain the health and nutritional status of children and adults, promote the development of good eating habits, and integrate nutritious food service with organized child and adult day care services.

This school year, students enrolled in the Fort Bend ISD's After School Program at participating CACFP campuses will continue to receive no-cost meals.

View more information about the program or contact Fort Bend ISD Child Nutrition at cndaccounts@fortbendisd.gov. 

We encourage all families to complete the online Free and Reduced-Price Meals application online at, www.schoolcafe.com/fbisd.

Submitting your online meal application can do more than just provide access to Free and Reduced-Price meals. If you qualify, you may also qualify for programs with additional benefits!

Visit the Free and Reduced Meals page for more information on student meal benefits.

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)

CEP campus families are encouraged to complete the Income Survey online through SchoolCafé. Your participation helps your school learn how to best serve students and families, and secure benefits and funding for programs.

You can access the survey online at www.schoolcafe.com/fbisd.

Click here to view the how-to guide for the Income Survey.

Cashless Concessions

Fort Bend ISD Child Nutrition (January 2024) — Cash will no longer be accepted at food concession stands at Fort Bend ISD district athletic facilities. These facilities are listed below:

• Mercer Stadium
• Wheeler Field House
• Hall Stadium
• Hopson Field House
• Don Cook Natatorium
• Aquatic Practice Facility

Patrons can use mobile wallets or the “tap to pay” capability, including Apple Pay or Google Wallet, and all major credit cards, except American Express.

We understand this may be an inconvenience for some of our guests and visitors, but the district has made this decision to prioritize staff safety.

The district also considered patterns and changes that have already taken place at athletic events. FBISD began accepting credit card payments two years ago, and since then, the vast majority of concession purchases have been made without cash. The district’s Athletics Department also now sells tickets online.

The district is making this transition during the spring semester, in advance of next year’s football season, which is the peak time for concession sales. This way, the new cashless system can be fully tested and refined as needed.

Please note: payment methods for concessions sold at middle and high schools during athletic events on campus will remain unchanged. Only events held at the district athletic facilities listed above will be affected by the change to cashless purchases. Be sure to confirm with the individual campus or athletic department to see how to purchase items for campus-based athletic events.