Lunch
Order hot LUNCH from the 1-15th for next month’s lunches
Welcome to the 2023/2024 Hot Lunch Program! We are excited to be able to offer this service to our families. We will see a lot of familiar vendors return and we are happy to welcome The Pearl Kitchen to our program. Please review our FAQ below if you are new to the Hot Lunch Program or if you need a quick refresher. It includes important information such as the Free/Reduced Program, refunds, birthday packages, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Hot Lunch work?
The PTO partners with local restaurants to provide pre-cooked items to staff and students. We also provide a la carte items such as milk, fresh produce, chips, and desserts. Additionally, we provide ice cream on Fridays and Birthday Packages for purchase.
When is Hot Lunch?
Hot Lunch runs each day school is in session from the beginning of October until May testing.
Orders are placed from the 1st-15th of the month before. ie) October orders are placed September 1-15, etc. This is a necessary process to ensure restaurants have enough time to order what they need.
How does the PTO choose vendors?
The PTO relies on family input! Potential vendors can submit catering proposals to the committee chairs for review no later than April 1st for the following school year. Vendors must be able to provide approximately 700 individually packaged items that meet menu and pricing standards each catering day.
Why “fast food”?
Generally speaking, fast food chains are better equipped with the staff and packaging to provide what we need. Additionally, we can only partner with restaurants who are comfortably staffed to prepare our large orders.
Is the food fresh?
Restaurant food is prepped by the vendors as close to transport time as possible. We require that food is transported in appropriate temperature controlled containers. Once food arrives at CCA, it is placed into either commercial-sized refrigerators or heaters to maintain temperatures.
What about healthy or diet-conscience options?
We work with vendors to create menus that are beneficial to both the restaurant as well as our families in a number of ways. We aim to provide fresh produce and gluten-free items as supplies are available.
Is the food expensive?
Menu pricing includes costs that are set by the vendor as well as a small markup to aid the PTO in providing Free and Reduced pricing options to families who qualify. Pricing is reviewed each summer before the start of school.
Who handles the food?
Vendors deliver food to CCA. We have a group of volunteers who assemble the items into baskets. The baskets are picked up by students and food is handed out by the teacher or supervising adult.
Is there a lot of food waste?
Any food that has not been delivered is donated to our hard-working staff after lunch ends.
Can parents help with Hot Lunch?
ABSOLUTELY! The Hot Lunch Program is overseen by a newly appointed staff member however, it is only possible because of the volunteers who spend time at the school distributing food. A collective 30 parents work throughout the week to feed our school population of nearly 1400 people within a 45 minute timeframe.
How can I get involved?
Contact Amanda Dobbs-Martin and Ashley Purnell, the Hot Lunch Committee Chairs, at ccaptolunch@gmail.com.
How do I place a lunch order?
You will create an account with OrgsOnline and simply select your desired items. Orders are automatically placed on hold, but orders are not guaranteed until payment is received in the system.
CCA code: 312CCANC
Are refunds available?
—Refunds are not issued for isolated absences since vendors are unable to take individual requests on delivery days. If your family experiences a prolonged medical emergency, please reach out to us via email. —Refunds for missing items are not issued for orders that can be suitably replaced in the kitchen. The Hot Lunch Committee requires students to be made aware of their orders and to communicate with the classroom teacher when they have a concern. —Special circumstances, such as inclement weather and other school closings, are credited to all Orgs accounts as they occur.
Can food be re-routed?
Yes! Requests must be submitted via email only by 9 a.m. on delivery day. If a student is out sick their items can be re-routed to staff, a sibling, or fellow student.
Parents can also opt to pick up items in the front office after 12:45.
Does CCA have a Free/Reduced Program?
Yes! Qualification paperwork is sent home with each student during their first days of enrollment. For further information, email Robn Sorrells, the Lunch Coordinator, at ccalunchcoordinator@cornerstonek12.org.
Who do I contact if I need help?
Contact Amanda Dobbs-Martin and Ashley Purnell, the Hot Lunch Committee Chairs, at ccaptolunch@gmail.com.
Lunch Stats 2022/2023
How much food was delivered?
120,519 individual items passed through the kitchen
How many times was lunch served?
135 days
What were the most popular items this year?
Apple juice and cheese pizza