NBISD District Seal

Child Nutrition

Child Nutrition

Our mission: A world where all children look forward to eating at school, and are fully nourished to reach their highest potential.

Child Nutrition Department Header 4-8-25

Department Contacts

Jill Balderas

Jill Balderas
Manager of Child Nutrition
830-627-6738

Vacant
 Administrative Assistant
830-627-6736

Jason Rice
SFE – Resident Director of Operations
830-627-6745

Jamoll Leday (Chef Jay)
SFE – District Chef
830-358-4342

Sharon Chai, RD
SFE – Dietitian/Nutrition Coordinator
830-627-6748

Community Food Resources

To find more resources for food in our community, please use the button below:

About Child Nutrition

MySchoolBucks
Nutritional Menus
Special Meals Request
Donate Lunch
My School Bucks Icon
Nutritional Menu Icon
Special Meals Request Icon
Donate Lunch Icon

New Braunfels Independent School District and Southwest Foodservice Excellence have developed a strong partnership with the common goal of making a positive impact on the nutritional well-being of our students.

SFE Logo

As a result of this partnership, we continue to offer exciting and innovative programs and menus to meet the needs of our students and campus communities.  Here are just a few examples:

  • Increased menu variety with a focus on fresh-from-scratch menu items
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables offered at meals and a la carte
  • Interactive nutrition and culinary events for students at each grade level, including Roving Chef, Farmer’s Markets, and Taste Tests

NBISD participates in the School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs. These programs provide nutritious meals to children and aim to contribute to a better understanding of good nutrition and healthy eating habits. Research shows that students who are well nourished perform better in school! Meals served in these programs must meet strict federal nutrition guidelines to be eligible for district reimbursement.

In addition to serving students, the Child Nutrition department also provides full-service catering options for campus and district events. All catering proceeds go directly to funding NBISD Child Nutrition programs and initiatives!

Feel free to contact the Child Nutrition office at (830) 627-6736 to learn more about our services.

May 2026 Newsletter
April 2026 Newsletter
March 2026 Newsletter
February 2026 Newsletter
December 2025/January 2026 Newsletter
November 2025 Newsletter
October 2025 Newsletter
September 2025 Newsletter

Student Meal Prices:
Reduced Breakfast at All Campuses: $0.30
Reduced Lunch at All Campuses: $0.40
Paid Breakfast at All Campuses: $1.95
Paid Lunch at Elementary Schools: $3.25
Paid Lunch Middle & High Schools: $3.50

Second Meal Charges
In accordance with Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) guidelines, only the first reimbursable meal served to a student each meal period is eligible for federal reimbursement. If a student chooses to receive a second meal, the meal will be charged at the full adult meal price, as required by federal regulations.

Parents/guardians will be responsible for payment of any second meals purchased by their student. These charges will be applied to the student’s cafeteria account or must be paid at the time of purchase.
 

MySchoolBucks Convenience Fee:

Signing up for MySchoolBucks is free. A required $3.50 fee will be processed for each transaction. You will be notified during the checkout process before finalizing the transaction.
 
Adult Meal Prices:

Breakfast: $3.30
Lunch: $4.50

 
Meal Patterns:
The district menu plans reflect MyPlate Guidelines so that our students can choose a meal at breakfast or lunch that includes healthy choices from each of the five food categories: protein, grains, fruit, vegetables and milk. In addition, the meal pattern addresses four specific nutrients: calories, sodium, saturated fat and trans-fat.Meal pattern regulations require your student to take at least a 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable daily along with two other food categories. This encourages students to choose healthful foods!  In addition to healthy meal patterns, Smart Snack regulations require that all foods sold in schools during the school day meet nutrition standards as well as appeal to our students.  Click here to view meal pattern requirements for grades pre-kindergarten through 12.
 

Easy and Risk-Free Application Process

Free and reduced-price school meals including breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided to students whose families meet certain income requirements. Apply today to ensure that your child has a healthy meal at school every day!

Not sure of your child’s eligibility? Income eligibility guidelines are available online for each school year to help you determine eligibility based on your household size and income level. There are no restrictions based on immigration status. Visit the Income Eligibility Guidelines web page here for details.

You may apply online (English or Spanish) or by picking up an application at your child’s campus or the Child Nutrition office at 566 Butcher Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130.  Please return paper applications to the Child Nutrition office.

Reduced-Price Eligibility (New for 2025-2026)

Please note that information collected in the application is confidential and will be used only for evaluating the eligibility of students for free or reduced-price school meals.

What are Smart Snacks?

Smart Snacks, which are also referred to as competitive foods, are snacks or entrees that must meet specific nutrition guidelines to be sold in competition with reimbursable meals offered to students during the school day. Smart Snacks vary depending on the campus grade level, and are offered as a la carte items that students can purchase during breakfast and lunch service. These items are NOT part of the reimbursable breakfast or lunch meal that may qualify for free or reduced price.

All campuses in NBISD offer Smart Snacks, but there may be designated days they are offered or time limitations set by the administration at the campus. It is also important to note that parents may contact the Child nutrition department by email at jillbalderas@nbisd.org OR let the cafeteria manager know to limit snacks their child can purchase by flagging the child’s lunch account.

What are the nutrition standards for Smart Snacks?

Smart Snacks must meet at least one of the following General Standards:

  • Whole grain rich (50% or more whole grains by weight or whole grain is first ingredient)
  • First ingredient is a fruit, vegetable, dairy or protein food
  • Combination food that contains at least ¼ cup fruit and/or vegetable

In addition, Smart Snacks must also meet the following guidelines:

  • Calories – 200 or less
  • Sodium – 200 mg or less
  • Total Fat – 35% of calories or less
  • Saturated Fat – 10% of calories or less
  • Trans Fat – zero grams
  • Sugar – 35% by weight or less

Nutrition Standards for Smart Snack Beverages:

  • Plain, unflavored water can be offered regardless of quantity
  • Unflavored and flavored low-fat and fat-free milk can be offered to elementary (up to 8 ounces) and secondary (up to 12 ounces)
  • 100% fruit or vegetable juice or juice diluted with water, with or without carbonation, can be offered to elementary (up to 8 ounces) and secondary (up to 12 ounces)
  • Low and zero calorie beverages, with or without caffeine and/or carbonation, can be offered to high school students only

Examples of Smart Snacks

These are items you may see offered at your child’s campus!

Whole Grain Pop Tarts

Whole Grain Cookies

100% Juice Capri Sun

100% Fruit Juice Slushies

Yogurt Parfaits

100% Sparkling Juice Drinks

Reduced Fat Doritos

Pudding Cups

Whole Grain Rice Krispies

String Cheese Sticks

Low Fat Ice
Cream Treats

Whole Grain Graham Snacks

For more information about Smart Snacks in schools, please check out the following websites:

https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/tools-schools-focusing-smart-snacks

https://squaremeals.org/Portals/8/files/NSLP/Resources/Smart%20Snacks%20One-Pagerv2.pdf

Menu Planning

The New Braunfels ISD Child Nutrition menus are a coordinated effort planned by the SFE Child Nutrition team to meet the tastes and preferences of our students.  Reimbursable meals are planned to meet nutrition requirements set forth by the Texas School Nutrition Policy and Texas Department of Agriculture which are based on the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In addition, our recipes are developed using healthy cooking techniques, reduced fat and sodium ingredients, whole grains and fresh or frozen produce to promote optimal nutrition for our students. Above all, we strive to provide nourishing, tasty meals that our students will enjoy.

Texas School Nutrition Policy Resources:

https://squaremeals.org/Programs

Special Dietary Needs

Food allergen information, carbohydrate counts and nutrient analysis of menu items are available to students, parents and health care providers on the Nutrislice menus here.  If additional information is needed concerning ingredients in food products or recipes, please contact the Child Nutrition department during business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:30-4:00.

For students with special dietary needs, the Special Meals Request form can be found on the Child Nutrition Department website and available from the Campus Nurse.  This form, which is required by the Texas Department of Agriculture, must be completed and signed by a licensed physician and returned to the Campus nurse for documentation of need.

Healthy Eating Resources

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted 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; or
2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email: Program.Intake@usda.gov This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
De acuerdo con la ley federal de derechos civiles y las normas y políticas de derechos civiles del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA), esta entidad está prohibida de discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, discapacidad, edad, o represalia o retorsión por actividades previas de derechos civiles. La información sobre el programa puede estar disponible en otros idiomas que no sean el inglés. Las personas con discapacidades que requieren medios alternos de comunicación para obtener la información del programa (por ejemplo, Braille, letra grande, cinta de audio, lenguaje de señas americano (ASL), etc.) deben comunicarse con la agencia local o estatal responsable de administrar el programa o con el Centro TARGET del USDA al (202) 720-2600 (voz y TTY) o comuníquese con el USDA a través del Servicio Federal de Retransmisión al (800) 877-8339. Para presentar una queja por discriminación en el programa, el reclamante debe llenar un formulario AD-3027, formulario de queja por discriminación en el programa del USDA, el cual puede obtenerse en línea en: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027s.pdf, de cualquier oficina de USDA, llamando al (866) 632-9992, o escribiendo una carta dirigida a USDA. La carta debe contener el nombre del demandante, la dirección, el número de teléfono y una descripción escrita de la acción discriminatoria alegada con suficiente detalle para informar al Subsecretario de Derechos Civiles (ASCR) sobre la naturaleza y fecha de una presunta violación de derechos civiles. El formulario AD-3027 completado o la carta debe presentarse a USDA por:
(1) correo: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; o

(2) fax: (833) 256-1665 o (202) 690-7442; o
(3) correo electrónico: program.intake@usda.gov. Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

 

Complaint Policy

New Braunfels ISD parents, students, and/or staff who have a complaint can do one of the following:

1. Fill out the Local Complaint Form.

2. Call 1-866-632-9992, or 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay Service), or 1-800-845-6136 (Spanish Speaking Assistance).

New Braunfels ISD is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

View information on the NBISD Policy on Unpaid Meal Charges here.

View the 2026-2027 Child Nutrition media release here.

To request a refund from your student’s account, please complete this form and email the request to jillbalderas@nbisd.org. Multiple student names may be included on one request form.

Child Nutrition

Child Nutrition

Our mission: A world where all children look forward to eating at school, and are fully nourished to reach their highest potential.

Child Nutrition Department Header 4-8-25
Jill Balderas

Manager of Child Nutrition
830-627-6738

Jill Balderas
My School Bucks Icon

MySchool
Bucks

Nutritional Menu Icon

Nutritional
Menus

Special Meals Request Icon

Special Meals
Request

Donate Lunch Icon

Donate
Lunch

Department Contacts

Vacant
 Administrative Assistant
830-627-6736

Jason Rice
SFE – Resident Director of Operations
830-627-6745

Jamoll Leday (Chef Jay)
SFE – District Chef
830-358-4342

Sharon Chai, RD
SFE – Dietitian/Nutrition Coordinator
830-627-6748

Community Food Resources

To find more resources for food in our community, please visit our resources page here.

About Child Nutrition

New Braunfels Independent School District and Southwest Foodservice Excellence have developed a strong partnership with the common goal of making a positive impact on the nutritional well-being of our students.

As a result of this partnership, we continue to offer exciting and innovative programs and menus to meet the needs of our students and campus communities.  Here are just a few examples:

  • Increased menu variety with a focus on fresh-from-scratch menu items
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables offered at meals and a la carte
  • Interactive nutrition and culinary events for students at each grade level, including Roving Chef, Farmer’s Markets, and Taste Tests

NBISD participates in the School Breakfast and National School Lunch Programs. These programs provide nutritious meals to children and aim to contribute to a better understanding of good nutrition and healthy eating habits. Research shows that students who are well nourished perform better in school! Meals served in these programs must meet strict federal nutrition guidelines to be eligible for district reimbursement.

In addition to serving students, the Child Nutrition department also provides full-service catering options for campus and district events. All catering proceeds go directly to funding NBISD Child Nutrition programs and initiatives!

Feel free to contact the Child Nutrition office at (830) 627-6736 to learn more about our services.

May 2026 Newsletter
April 2026 Newsletter
March 2026 Newsletter
February 2026 Newsletter
December 2025/January 2026 Newsletter
November 2025 Newsletter
October 2025 Newsletter
September 2025 Newsletter

Student Meal Prices:
Reduced Breakfast at All Campuses: $0.30
Reduced Lunch at All Campuses: $0.40
Paid Breakfast at All Campuses: $1.95
Paid Lunch at Elementary Schools: $3.25
Paid Lunch Middle & High Schools: $3.50

Second Meal Charges
In accordance with Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) guidelines, only the first reimbursable meal served to a student each meal period is eligible for federal reimbursement. If a student chooses to receive a second meal, the meal will be charged at the full adult meal price, as required by federal regulations.

Parents/guardians will be responsible for payment of any second meals purchased by their student. These charges will be applied to the student’s cafeteria account or must be paid at the time of purchase.
 

MySchoolBucks Convenience Fee:

Signing up for MySchoolBucks is free. A required $3.50 fee will be processed for each transaction. You will be notified during the checkout process before finalizing the transaction.
 
Adult Meal Prices:

Breakfast: $3.30
Lunch: $4.50

 
Meal Patterns:
The district menu plans reflect MyPlate Guidelines so that our students can choose a meal at breakfast or lunch that includes healthy choices from each of the five food categories: protein, grains, fruit, vegetables and milk. In addition, the meal pattern addresses four specific nutrients: calories, sodium, saturated fat and trans-fat.Meal pattern regulations require your student to take at least a 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable daily along with two other food categories. This encourages students to choose healthful foods!  In addition to healthy meal patterns, Smart Snack regulations require that all foods sold in schools during the school day meet nutrition standards as well as appeal to our students.  Click here to view meal pattern requirements for grades pre-kindergarten through 12.
 

Easy and Risk-Free Application Process

Free and reduced-price school meals including breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided to students whose families meet certain income requirements. Apply today to ensure that your child has a healthy meal at school every day!

Not sure of your child’s eligibility? Income eligibility guidelines are available online for each school year to help you determine eligibility based on your household size and income level. There are no restrictions based on immigration status. Visit the Income Eligibility Guidelines web page here for details.

You may apply online (English or Spanish) or by picking up an application at your child’s campus or the Child Nutrition office at 566 Butcher Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130.  Please return paper applications to the Child Nutrition office.

Reduced-Price Eligibility (New for 2025-2026)

Please note that information collected in the application is confidential and will be used only for evaluating the eligibility of students for free or reduced-price school meals.

What are Smart Snacks?

Smart Snacks, which are also referred to as competitive foods, are snacks or entrees that must meet specific nutrition guidelines to be sold in competition with reimbursable meals offered to students during the school day. Smart Snacks vary depending on the campus grade level, and are offered as a la carte items that students can purchase during breakfast and lunch service. These items are NOT part of the reimbursable breakfast or lunch meal that may qualify for free or reduced price.

All campuses in NBISD offer Smart Snacks, but there may be designated days they are offered or time limitations set by the administration at the campus. It is also important to note that parents may contact the Child nutrition department by email at jillbalderas@nbisd.org OR let the cafeteria manager know to limit snacks their child can purchase by flagging the child’s lunch account.

What are the nutrition standards for Smart Snacks?

Smart Snacks must meet at least one of the following General Standards:

  • Whole grain rich (50% or more whole grains by weight or whole grain is first ingredient)
  • First ingredient is a fruit, vegetable, dairy or protein food
  • Combination food that contains at least ¼ cup fruit and/or vegetable

In addition, Smart Snacks must also meet the following guidelines:

  • Calories – 200 or less
  • Sodium – 200 mg or less
  • Total Fat – 35% of calories or less
  • Saturated Fat – 10% of calories or less
  • Trans Fat – zero grams
  • Sugar – 35% by weight or less

Nutrition Standards for Smart Snack Beverages:

  • Plain, unflavored water can be offered regardless of quantity
  • Unflavored and flavored low-fat and fat-free milk can be offered to elementary (up to 8 ounces) and secondary (up to 12 ounces)
  • 100% fruit or vegetable juice or juice diluted with water, with or without carbonation, can be offered to elementary (up to 8 ounces) and secondary (up to 12 ounces)
  • Low and zero calorie beverages, with or without caffeine and/or carbonation, can be offered to high school students only

Examples of Smart Snacks

These are items you may see offered at your child’s campus!

Whole Grain Pop Tarts

Whole Grain Cookies

100% Juice Capri Sun

100% Fruit Juice Slushies

Yogurt Parfaits

100% Sparkling Juice Drinks

Reduced Fat Doritos

Pudding Cups

Whole Grain Rice Krispies

String Cheese Sticks

Low Fat Ice
Cream Treats

Whole Grain Graham Snacks

For more information about Smart Snacks in schools, please check out the following websites:

https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/tools-schools-focusing-smart-snacks

https://squaremeals.org/Portals/8/files/NSLP/Resources/Smart%20Snacks%20One-Pagerv2.pdf

Menu Planning

The New Braunfels ISD Child Nutrition menus are a coordinated effort planned by the SFE Child Nutrition team to meet the tastes and preferences of our students.  Reimbursable meals are planned to meet nutrition requirements set forth by the Texas School Nutrition Policy and Texas Department of Agriculture which are based on the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In addition, our recipes are developed using healthy cooking techniques, reduced fat and sodium ingredients, whole grains and fresh or frozen produce to promote optimal nutrition for our students. Above all, we strive to provide nourishing, tasty meals that our students will enjoy.

Texas School Nutrition Policy Resources:

https://squaremeals.org/Programs

Special Dietary Needs

Food allergen information, carbohydrate counts and nutrient analysis of menu items are available to students, parents and health care providers on the Nutrislice menus here.  If additional information is needed concerning ingredients in food products or recipes, please contact the Child Nutrition department during business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:30-4:00.

For students with special dietary needs, the Special Meals Request form can be found on the Child Nutrition Department website and available from the Campus Nurse.  This form, which is required by the Texas Department of Agriculture, must be completed and signed by a licensed physician and returned to the Campus nurse for documentation of need.

Healthy Eating Resources

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted 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; or
2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
3. email: Program.Intake@usda.gov This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
De acuerdo con la ley federal de derechos civiles y las normas y políticas de derechos civiles del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA), esta entidad está prohibida de discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, discapacidad, edad, o represalia o retorsión por actividades previas de derechos civiles. La información sobre el programa puede estar disponible en otros idiomas que no sean el inglés. Las personas con discapacidades que requieren medios alternos de comunicación para obtener la información del programa (por ejemplo, Braille, letra grande, cinta de audio, lenguaje de señas americano (ASL), etc.) deben comunicarse con la agencia local o estatal responsable de administrar el programa o con el Centro TARGET del USDA al (202) 720-2600 (voz y TTY) o comuníquese con el USDA a través del Servicio Federal de Retransmisión al (800) 877-8339. Para presentar una queja por discriminación en el programa, el reclamante debe llenar un formulario AD-3027, formulario de queja por discriminación en el programa del USDA, el cual puede obtenerse en línea en: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027s.pdf, de cualquier oficina de USDA, llamando al (866) 632-9992, o escribiendo una carta dirigida a USDA. La carta debe contener el nombre del demandante, la dirección, el número de teléfono y una descripción escrita de la acción discriminatoria alegada con suficiente detalle para informar al Subsecretario de Derechos Civiles (ASCR) sobre la naturaleza y fecha de una presunta violación de derechos civiles. El formulario AD-3027 completado o la carta debe presentarse a USDA por:
(1) correo: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; o

(2) fax: (833) 256-1665 o (202) 690-7442; o
(3) correo electrónico: program.intake@usda.gov. Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

 

Complaint Policy

New Braunfels ISD parents, students, and/or staff who have a complaint can do one of the following:

1. Fill out the Local Complaint Form.

2. Call 1-866-632-9992, or 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay Service), or 1-800-845-6136 (Spanish Speaking Assistance).

New Braunfels ISD is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

View information on the NBISD Policy on Unpaid Meal Charges here.

View the 2026-2027 Child Nutrition media release here.

To request a refund from your student’s account, please complete this form and email the request to jillbalderas@nbisd.org. Multiple student names may be included on one request form.