The Child Nutrition Services department is one of the largest support departments for students and faculty in the district with over 232 employees. Food service serves over 3.2 million lunches and 2.2 million breakfasts each school year.

The department operates under the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program with policies and direction from the Texas Education Agency. Under the terms of the agreement, the district agrees to serve lunch and breakfast that meet meal requirements; provide free to eligible children; provide meals to all children without regard to race, color, sex, handicap, age or national origin; and accept and use USDA commodities and operate on a nonprofit basis.

McAllen ISD uses a traditional menu planning system to meet nutrition goals. The objective of the planning system is to meet the USDA School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children's nutrition goals which includes meeting recommended dietary allowances and calorie goals. The School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children underscores national health responsibilities to provide healthy school meals that are consistent with the Recommended Dietary Allowances.

The department believes the goals of providing students and faculty with nutritious, appetizing and quality meals can best be met by following the Texas School Food Service Association's Standards of Excellence.

Our department is ready to serve the nutritional needs of the students and staff of the district. We are dedicated to preparing wholesome, nutritious food and serving the district's students in a pleasant environment. Thank you for visiting. We hope you enjoy the links which will guide you to the menus, program information, and advice concerning children's nutrition.