Child Nutrition and Wellness

AZ Healthy Schools Act (ARS 15-242.01)

Effective July 1, 2026 our district must meet new standards for Ultraprocessed Foods under the Arizona Healthy Schools Act. Designed to support student health, this law restricts food containing 11 specific food additives and artificial dyes from being served, sold or distributed to students on campus during the school day. 

What does this mean for our families and community partners? 

• Individual Packed Lunches & Snacks: Parents and guardians can still pack any lunches, snacks, or treats for their own child. This law does not restrict food brought from home for individual personal consumption.

• Classroom Celebrations & Shared Snacks: Any food provided to students on campus (such as birthday treats or holiday parties) during the school day must meet compliance standards.

• PTO & Organization Fundraisers: Food sales or distribution taking place on campus during the school day (from midnight until 30 minutes after dismissal) must comply with these guidelines. Off-campus fundraisers and events held after the school day are not affected.

To help our community navigate these regulations, please review and download these resources: 

• AZ Healthy Schools Fact Sheet - A quick overview of the law and prohibited ingredients.
• Food Purchasing Tool - A step-by-step flowchart to help PTOs, clubs, and event organizers verify food items before purchasing. 

Free Breakfast & Lunch

All Creighton students are able to receive breakfast & lunch at no cost during the 2026-2027 school year. If students bring food from home, they are still welcome to participate in school breakfast and lunch at no cost. No application required. If students would like to purchase healthy snacks during lunch, you can pre-load funds onto a LINQ Connect account at linqconnect.com. Please note, starting this school year a 3.95% service fee will be added to the transaction when funds are added to a LINQ account. To avoid these fees, students and adults can bring cash to the cafeteria to deposit onto their LINQ account.

SUNBucks

Are your SUN Bucks still on the shelf? Use your SUN Bucks before they expire: SUN Bucks benefits expire 122 days from the date the benefits are made available on your SUN Bucks card. Be sure to save the letter and your SUN Bucks EBT card each year. For questions, please visit azed.gov/sunbucks or call 1-833-648-4406.

Fueling Creighton's Adventurous Learners

Great days start with great food! At Creighton, we know that when kids are well-nourished, their minds, bodies, and spirits are ready to learn, play, and grow. Our Child Nutrition & Wellness team is dedicated to fueling your child's potential every single day. With a team of passionate professionals—led by certified food safety experts with over 30 years of combined experience—we are proud to partner with our teachers to keep our students healthy, happy, and energized.

What's on the Menu? Our Free Meal Programs

Breakfast in the Classroom

Studies show that kids who eat breakfast do better in school, focus longer, and have brighter days. That’s why Creighton students get a free, nutritious breakfast served right in their classroom every morning.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program

Students get free fresh produce for a snack on Tuesday & Thursday - giving them a change to try new fruits and veggies while learning nutrition information along the way. 

Afterschool Supper Program 

Learning and rowing doesn't stop afterschool. We provide free, wholesome suppers for children after the school day. 

To learn more about these programs and their nutrition regulations, please visit Arizona Department of Education - Health & Nutrition Services. 

Nutrition Regulations & Support from our Department

Every meal we serve meets strict federal and state nutrition standards and is planned by a Registered Dietitian that prioritizes student taste & preference - giving students a choice to fuel their bodies for a productive school day. 

How Lunch Works: Build-Your-Own Meal!

Students get to build their own plate from a variety of fresh options.

To make a complete meal, students select at least 3 items (including at least 1 fruit or veggie), though we encourage them to grab one item from every group for maximum nutrition:

• Whole Grains

• Protein

• Fruit and/or 100% Juice

• Vegetables

• Milk

No Ultraprocessed Ingredients (AZ Healthy Schools Act)

We are committed to reducing processed foods and serving high quality meals! Per Arizona guidelines (ARS 15-242.01), meals and snacks provided by our department are 100% free from harmful additives and artificial colors.

What you’ll NEVER find in our food:

• No Artificial Dyes: Free from Red 40, Red 3, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, Blue 2, and Green 3.

• No Harmful Additives: Free from titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, BHA, BHT, aspartame, BVO, ADA, and other harsh preservatives.

Smart Snacks & Class Treats

Any extra snacks provided on campus during the school day (including school fundraisers) must meet federal "Smart Snacks" rules—meaning foods with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, or lean protein should be chosen to prioritize student health and wellness. 

• Bringing treats for a class party? Parents and guardians are always welcome to send in snacks from home for celebrations! All we ask is that classroom celebration treats are store-bought.

Special Dietary Needs? We’re here to support your student.

If your child has food allergies, neurological conditions, or specific medical dietary needs, they are in expert hands.

We have two Registered Dietitians on staff who will work directly with you, your school nurse, and your healthcare provider to design a safe, customized menu just for your student.

Next Steps: Download our Special Dietary Accommodations Form, have it signed by your child's licensed physician, and return it to your school nurse or our team to get started!