Child Nutrition Quarterly Update

It's cold and flu season again. There are many ways to prevent illness and keep your body feeling its best:

• Rest up! The Mayo Clinic recommends that children ages 6-18 get 9 hours of quality sleep per night.

• Drink plenty of fluids. At least 8 cups of water per day will help keep your body healthy. Herbal teas can be good too, and they'll keep you warm and cozy as our temperatures drop.

• Focus on eating more nutritious meals. You can find ideas for these below, or in your child's school cafeteria!

Although no application is required to receive free meal benefits, filling out the Application for Educational Benefits is still important! Your child(ren) may qualify for other benefits like reduced fees for school sports & activities. Your application may also help the school qualify for education funds, discounts, and other meal programs. You are welcome to apply at any time!

If you receive a letter by email that you have already been approved to receive educational benefits for school year '25-'26, you do not have to complete the application. If you need a copy of your letter, please contact Rachel Brownlee 507-663-0621 rbrownlee@northfieldschools.org

Click here for Additional Benefits you may receive if you qualify for Educational Benefits

Click here for Online & Print applications.

• Payment and pricing information can be found under the Payment & Pricing section of our webpage.
• Make a payment through the RevTrak Store.

Our Spring Creek elementary students got all dressed up and enjoyed a fancy lunch!

Take a look inside Quarter Two's monthly newsletters for tips for healthy living and recipes!

November 2025 - Slow Cooker Pork Stew over Brown Rice

December 2025 - Parmesan Chive Biscuits

January 2026 - Garlic Ginger Ramen with Beef

Earlier this month, our high school students enjoyed this delicious beef teriyaki, locally sourced at Big Woods Beef in Nerstrand!

Harvest of the Month is a University of Minnesota Extension–supported program that features Minnesota-grown foods each month. Take a look at the Harvest of the Month website to learn more about the featured produce, including nutrition benefits, storage tips, and simple, kid-friendly recipes. It’s a great way to explore new foods, support local agriculture, and build healthy eating habits at home.

Throughout the year, we join forces with our suppliers to offer a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to our students. Check out some of our recent featured produce!

1. Start the day with whole grains and protein
2. Increase your ability to focus
3. Decrease lost time from school with illness
4. Consume 1/3 of your daily calories
5. Get the energy you need to perform your best at school

No time? No problem! All students can receive a free, nutritious breakfast on school days.

• Banana sliced into yogurt with granola
• Breakfast smoothies: Berries, milk, yogurt, and ice
• String cheese and apple slices
• Toast with avocado or peanut butter

Stephany Stromme, Director of Child Nutrition

Email: sstromme@northfieldschools.org

Rachel Brownlee, Child Nutrition Administrative Assistant

Email: rbrownlee@northfieldschools.org

Website

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The Northfield School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in employment. You can learn more at: https://northfieldschools.org/about/departments/human-resources/ under the Title IX tab.