Our mission is to boost student achievement by providing healthy and delicious meals.  The research is clear: the better we eat, and the better we take care of ourselves, the better we perform across a range of outcomes, including academics.  Dallas ISD students can eat breakfast, lunch, and (frequently) dinner at school, all served at “no cost” to students.

Dallas ISD meals meet or exceed the federal nutrition requirements.  We purchase many locally sourced Texas-grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and Texas-produced foods.  In alignment with the Culinary Institute of America, we are pursuing a “plant-forward” (Plant-Forward Eating - CIA Foodies) menu orientation.   We are actively pursuing cleaner labels and the elimination of ingredients of concern.  In fact, the vast majority of chicken which we purchase is certified “no antibiotic ever” (NAE).  Our bid for turkey requires CRAU (FAQ – CRAU (certifiedresponsibleantibioticuse.org)) compliance – as endorsed by the Urban School Food Alliance (Urban School Food Alliance).  We actively support responsible suppliers who operate with sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

Our “green” initiatives prevent millions of plastic trays annually from going into landfills, and our elimination of dish machines saves many millions of gallons of water each year – a key benefit in warm Texas.  Earlier this year, we became the first school district in Texas to announce participation in the inaugural “National Plastic Free Lunch Day” on November 2, 2022. 

Thanks to several construction bonds approved by voters, the district is redefining the school meal experience, with state of the art kitchens and refined dining areas.  Access to meals has never been better: serving options include in-cafeteria dining, breakfast in the classroom, second chance breakfast service, mobile kiosks, after-school meals, family-style service, weekend meals, holiday/break meals, field trip meals, plant-forward menu design, chef-inspired “from scratch” meals, locally-sourced ingredients, healthy snacks, international flavors, and more! 

In short, school meals in Dallas ISD support our state and national food systems, our environment, and most importantly, our students.  We invite you to explore the rest of our web page and learn more about one of the best school food systems in the country.

Michael Rosenberger