Since 2015 the Academy for GOD has offered meals to all students as part of the USDA’s School Nutrition Program for K-12 schools. Additionally, the Academy is a nationally recognized farm to school program and incorporates fresh produce and meats from local sources.

Nutrition Program Goals & Philosophy

1. Emphasize the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables

2. Use as minimally processed foods as possible

Each school meal is made fresh at our onsite, full-service kitchen to ensure nutritional quality. We view healthy eating as a journey of learning to eat new foods and changing the palate so that students can grow into healthy adults. Students are encouraged to try new foods, recognizing that it can take 15-20 tries before they might embrace a new or unusual food. 

School nutritionist, Breann Chigumira, created a K-12 grade nutrition curriculum in which students learn WHY they are eating the foods that are offered. This has allowed many students to adapt to our meal menu and learn how to eat foods that encourage a healthy lifestyle. 

Menu Standards 

Our menu is based on the USDA’s guidelines for school programs as well as our own emphasis on food from our own school garden that is organically grown. Each day, a variety of vegetables daily along with fresh fruits and whole grains, protein, and low-fat milk is served.* We limit sodium, saturated fats as well as sugars, and do not serve any food that contains trans fat.  Lunch consists of up to two selections of vegetables, a protein, a whole grain, low-fat milk and fresh fruit. 

*This year, because of the continued supply chain issues in finding certain foods, especially whole grains, there have been some exceptions given by the USDA recognizing we are at times unable to meet the certain sub groups of vegetables, whole grains or even milk component. We will be utilizing these waivers only when needed this year as we still do encounter issues with the supply chain. 

Wellness Policy 

In accordance with the USDA, the Academy has a wellness policy published for the 2022-23 School year. Click HERE to see this year's policy. If you, as a parent/guardian or community sponsor would like to be part of the review or implementation of this policy please email meals@academyforgod.org.

Free and Reduced Meals 

We do provide financial aid to those who are in need of help paying for meals. Click here to download our free and reduced meals application. For more information you can go to the Tennessee State Website or read the FAQ. For any further questions email meals@academyforgod.org. 

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 (including gender identity and sexual orientation), 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 HERE, 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.