July 9, 2020

Subject: Meal Distribution Protocol for Student Health and Safety

The guidelines herein are effective for the 2020-2021 school year to increase student health/safety to the
maximum extent possible in the dining environment. The guidelines are subject to modification based on
changing conditions and any change will be published on the School Nutrition page on the District website.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR OPERATION

• School Nutrition staff will self-assess their health for any symptoms before arriving at work. They
must not report to work if exhibiting any known COVID symptoms.
• School Nutrition staff will wear a face covering at all times when in the kitchen and dining area.
• School Nutrition staff will follow all food safety guidelines and wash hands frequently.
• Meal periods will be scheduled in a way that decreases the number of students waiting in line at
once.
• Dining area floors will be marked with 6 foot distancing cues to guide students through the serving
line appropriately.
• Hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout the dining area.
• Students will verbally communicate with serving line staff so that items can be placed on the
student’s tray. Student self-service will be limited to decrease the risk of touching other student’s
food items.
• The student side of the serving line will be sanitized between student groups or classes.
• Students will be rung up using a verbal identifier or scanning a bar code at the register. Students
will not use the pin pad to enter their identification number.
• Student seating during meals will ensure that students are socially distanced while eating. The
number of students sitting at each table will be reduced and tables may be located in alternate
areas of the campus.
• Dining tables will be sanitized between groups.
• Parents and students are encouraged to pay for meals online or outside of the meal period time.
Cash and check payments during meal service are discouraged in order to keep the line flowing.
• Cafeteria share tables will be discontinued at this time.
• NEISD will utilize high temperature dishwashing machines and sanitizing chemicals on all reusable
food trays and utensils.
• Breakfast items will be mobile friendly so that students can transport them to the classroom or a
designated eating area.
• Meal procedures for virtual learners has not been established at this time. NEISD is awaiting
further guidance from the Texas Department of Agriculture on this topic.