A Note from Food Service Director, Niki Hutcherson
Dear ECS Families,
Welcome to ECS’s Food Service Family Portal page, a space dedicated to your exploration of our school food service offerings. ECS believes that the future success of the next generation begins with a positive and healthy understanding of food and is committed to connecting its food services to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our objective is to provide a diverse and delicious menu that meets the highest standards of quality and nutrition while catering to different dietary needs and preferences.
Here are some key features and benefits of our school food service:
Nutritious Menus: ECS strives to bring fresh, kid-friendly, and delicious meals to students by incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible that are at least 85% made from scratch and never frozen.
Dietary Accommodations: We recognize that every child has unique dietary requirements or restrictions. We are committed to accommodating various dietary preferences and restrictions. Our dedicated staff is available to assist you in finding suitable choices for your child.
Food Safety and Quality: Your child's safety is our top priority. We strictly adhere to the highest food safety and quality standards, maintaining a clean and hygienic environment in our kitchens and serving areas.
Local Partnerships: ECS partners with a local organization, Community Kitchen, to provide students with healthy, cost-effective meals while reducing food waste contributing to sustainable practices, and decreasing our carbon footprint. These practices may cause occasional substitutions and menu changes due to the availability of fresh produce or supply.
Special Events and Celebrations: From themed lunches to holiday celebrations, we aim to make the dining experience enjoyable, engaging, and educational for your child. We organize special events and promotions throughout the school year such as Harvest Fest, adding an extra touch of excitement and fun to their meals.
Online Payment: Our secure payment portal, School Cafe, ensures a hassle-free payment experience.
Nutrition Education: We believe in empowering students to make informed choices about their health and nutrition. Our food service program promotes healthy eating habits and instills a lifelong appreciation for nutritious food.
Year-Round Dedication to the Whole Child: We don’t stop just because school isn’t in session! We recognize that summer and long breaks from school are challenging for some folks. The food service team collaborates closely with ECS’s dedicated student services tea to ensure an accessible summer food service program as well as support during school breaks.
If you have any questions, concerns, or specific dietary needs, please reach out to niki.hutcherson@ecspgh.org. We look forward to serving your family and nurturing your child's well-being through our delicious and nutritious meals.
Thank you for choosing ECS Food Service!
Food Service Menus
“This menu has been so great for the kids and I appreciate how diverse and healthy it is. I never thought I would see my kids excited about anything not called ‘breakfast for lunch day.’” — Jocelyn, Intermediate School Parent
Lunch Menu
Breakfast Menus (Aug.–Dec.)
K–2
3–12
Food Service Pricing Information
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As a CEP District, each student is entitled to one free breakfast and one free lunch daily. A la carte items and second meals are still available for purchase.
Breakfast:
Student: $0
Adult: $2.50
Lunch:
Regular: $0
Adult: $4.10
In addition to what is provided with each students meal, juice and/or milk can be purchased for $0.35.
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ECS is a CEP district, and this year, each student is entitled to one free breakfast and one free lunch daily. ECS recommends that families add money to their student’s School Cafe account as there is a charge for a la carte items and second meals. Since each student will receive free breakfast and lunch, ECS will not collect applications for Free or Reduced lunch this year.
Summer Food Service Program
The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) offers free, nutritious meals to children 18 years and younger during the summer when school is not in session. SFSP is a federal child nutrition program. There are approximately 2500 locations throughout Pennsylvania that serve breakfast, lunch, and /or snacks. Many of the locations provide activities as well.
How to locate an SFSP near you:
Call: 211 or 1.866.3HUNGRY or 1.877.8HAMBRE
Text: “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 877877
Download: RangeAPP.org mobile app
Visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks
Food Service News
The state budget recently passed. Review some of the changes for the 23/24 school year.