Nutritional Services Blog

On November 18th and 20th, our elementary and K8 schools served up something extra special, a Thanksgiving meal that had students (and staff!) smiling from ear to ear. A big shout-out to our amazing Nutrition Services team for putting so much care and hard work into creating such a wonderful event!

From the moment the ovens fired up, the team was all-in, cooking, plating, laughing, and making sure every student got a tasty, festive meal. These rockstars do so much more than prepare food.  They bring joy, energy, and a whole lot of heart to our schools every single day.

We can’t forget the volunteers, school administration, and staff! We had an awesome crew of helpers who jumped in to serve meals, greet students, and sprinkle a little extra cheer around the cafeterias. Their enthusiasm helped turn an ordinary school day into something truly special.

A huge THANK YOU to our Nutrition Services team and all the volunteers who made this Thanksgiving lunch unforgettable. Full bellies, happy kids, and a whole lot of gratitude.  What more could we ask for?

Happy start to the holiday season!

Learn More at the Source

Scottsdale Unified School District’s Nutrition Services Department offers a wide array of programs throughout the year to help students thrive, both in and out of the classroom. From providing balanced, nutritious meals to offering resources that support families’ evolving needs, the department is committed to ensuring every student has access to healthy food options that fuel learning, growth, and success.

Important Reminder: Update Your LINQ Connect App Now!

To ensure continued access to your student’s meal accounts, please update the LINQ Connect app on your phone as soon as possible. The newest version of the app includes important security enhancements, performance improvements, and new features designed to make managing your child’s school meal account easier than ever.

What’s New:
• Stronger protection for your personal and payment information
• Faster, more reliable performance
• Easier viewing of balances, payments, and meal history
• Updated design for a smoother user experience

Without this update, older versions of the app may not function correctly or may lose access to key features such as viewing balances or making payments. Families are encouraged to ensure they are running the latest version of the app.

How to Update:

1. Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Search for LINQ Connect.
3. Tap Update (or reinstall if needed).
4. Log in with your existing account (all of your information will remain intact).

For more details or troubleshooting tips, visit www.LINQConnect.com or contact the SUSD Nutrition Services Department at 480-484-6234.

Has Your Family’s Situation Changed? 

Apply for Free or Reduced-Price School Meals

If your household income has recently changed due to furlough, reduced hours, or job loss, your student(s) may now qualify for free or reduced-price meals through Scottsdale Unified School District Nutrition Services.

Even if you didn’t qualify before, you can apply anytime throughout the year if your financial situation changes. Submitting an application ensures your child continues receiving healthy school meals and helps support important school programs funded through meal eligibility data.

How to Apply:

• Visit the LINQ Meal Application Portal at LINQConnect.com
• Sign in or create an account
• Select Scottsdale Unified School District and complete your meal application online

For more information, visit the SUSD Nutrition Services website at www.susd.org/nutrition or call 480-484-6234.

Resources for Families During SNAP Payment Delay

With an anticipated delay in November SNAP payments, some families may experience a brief gap in benefits. During this time, Scottsdale families can turn to local resources for support, such as food banks, school meal programs, and community partners offering food boxes and assistance, to help make sure everyone has access to healthy, nutritious meals.

Local Resources Available:

Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Nutrition Services: 

• Students who are approved for free meals will continue to receive free school breakfasts and lunches.
• Families experiencing new financial hardship due to furlough or delayed paychecks can apply through the LINQ portal on the SUSD Nutrition Services website.

Scottsdale Unified School District/Scottsdale Partners and United Food Bank

• Each month, in collaboration with United Food Bank, 170 food boxes are distributed that reach 107 households, and serve 506 individuals.
• To add your name to the distribution and pock up list, please contact your school’s community specialist as soon as possible
• Here are the dates of our next distributions at the Oak Campus, 7501 E Oak Street:

Date	Location
November 6	Oak – Back of the School
December 17	Oak – Back of the School
January 7	Oak – Back of the School
February 4	Oak – Back of the School
March 4	Oak – Back of the School
April 1	Oak – Back of the School

Learn More at the Source

Reminder: Re-apply for Free & Reduced-Price Meal Benefits

🍎 IMPORTANT: Free & Reduced Meal Applications

• Must be renewed every school year
• Last year’s approvals expire at the end of day, September 15, 2025
• One application needed per household

What You Need to Do:

• Submit a NEW application BEFORE September 15th.
• Apply online HERE, or pick up a paper copy at the Nutrition Services Office, located at 701 N. Miller Road
• One application covers all students in your household

⚠️ If a new application is not received by end of day on Sept. 15th, your child’s meal status will change to a full price paid meal status.  Should a family reapply and become approved for free after that date, the free meal status will become active the date the application is submitted and is not retroactive.

Why It Matters:

• Help your family with meal costs
• Support school funding & student programs

Note for Reduced Meal Approvals:

• Great news!  The State of Arizona is approved to cover the reduced meal co-pay for all students approved for reduced meal benefits this current school year, meaning reduced students are at no cost out of pocket this year!

📞 Questions? Contact the Nutrition Services Office at 480-484-6234

Support Students Through the Pay It Forward Program in LINQ Connect

At a recent Scottsdale Parent Council meeting, members asked how parents can help support students in need and how we can better spread the word about donating. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to contribute is through the Pay It Forward program in LINQ Connect. 

Did you know you can help other students in our school community by making a donation through the Pay It Forward program in LINQ Connect? This program allows families to give directly to student meal accounts, ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals, regardless of their financial situation.

How to Donate in LINQ Connect:

1. Log in to your LINQ Connect account online or through the mobile app.
2. Select your child’s school account.
3. Choose the option to “Donate” or “Pay It Forward.”
4. Enter the amount you would like to contribute.
5. Complete your payment securely.

Your donation goes directly into a dedicated fund that supports students who may need assistance paying for school meals. Even small contributions make a big difference in ensuring no student goes without a healthy meal during the school day.

Why Donate?

• Help support children in our community.
• Ensure every student has access to breakfast and lunch.
• Promote kindness and community spirit within our schools.

Thank you for considering a donation through the Pay It Forward program in LINQ Connect. Together, we can make sure every student is cared for and ready to learn!

Team Awesome Training – Being the Best for our Students!

On July 31st, our Nutrition Services team came together for a full-day mini-conference training. We called it “Camp Awesome.” All 145 staff members participated in the engaging event, which featured an inspiring keynote from Vanessa Hayes on Legacy Building and a variety of dynamic, conference-style breakout sessions.

Throughout the day, staff strengthened their skills in goal setting, USDA regulations, operational best practices, team building, and conflict management with all sessions designed to set them up for success this school year. A highlight of the event was the launch of our brand new “Grahammy Awards,” complete with a red-carpet ceremony! Team members nominated their peers and voted for the winners, making it a fun and memorable celebration of excellence.

Thanks to this energizing training, our Nutrition Services team is not only highly skilled but also motivated and ready to serve students with knowledge, care, and a smile all year long.

Learn More at the Source

You could be eligible for Free or Reduced Meals!

Apply today to find out in a safe and secure way.

Click here to apply

School Meal Prices for 2025-2026

It is after thoughtful consideration; school meal prices have been adjusted due to rising food and operational costs. The adjustment in school meal prices will begin on Monday, August 4, 2025. This adjustment ensures we can continue to provide high-quality, nutritious meals that support student health and academic success.

For up-to-date information, please visit the SUSD Nutrition Services Page.

New Prices:

• Adult Breakfast - $3.50
• Adult Lunch $6.00
• Student Second Meal - $6.00

We remain committed to serving every student. Families who may qualify for free or reduced-price meals are encouraged to complete the application at https://linqconnect.com/main.

Become a Member of TEAM AWESOME!

Can we give a shout out to Team Awesome? What a year this has been as this amazing team has continued to elevate the café and serve it up with a SMILE! 

If you are interested in being a part of Team Awesome, helping prepare healthy meals, we have both full- and part-time food prep, cashier, café manager and office positions available. Working with SUSD Nutrition Services affords you the unique opportunity to work after your child leaves school and returns home before they get home from school!

To be qualified for one of our positions:

• Maricopa County Food Service Worker Card, which is required by health code 
• High school diploma or GED.
• Physical mobility is a must. You don’t have to “keep up with the kids,” but you must be able to stand at your workstation or on the serving line and be able to lift fifty pounds.
• Previous knowledge of commercial food services or even school food service is preferred but not required.

We offer on-going training opportunities in food preparation, food safety, school food service compliance, and more.

To see what jobs may be currently open, visit our SUSD job openings. Apply online today or pass it on to a friend that may be interested. We would love to have you join us.

Pro Tip – Enter the word “Nutrition” in the search bar in the job postings to easily find all openings in SUSD Nutrition Services.

Learn More at the Source

FREE Summer Weekly Meal Packs Served to the Community

Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) Nutrition Services provides weekly deliveries of Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) non-congregate meal packs at Scottsdale Community College. This collaborative effort ensures children have access to nutritious meals during the summer months when school is not in session. By offering a centralized and accessible pick-up location, the program reduces barriers for families, supports food security, and strengthens community partnerships. The convenient weekly distribution empowers parents and caregivers while promoting child wellness and consistent nourishment throughout the summer.

Weekly Pick-up Site at Scottsdale Community College (SCC):

• Method: Families pick up a week’s worth of pre-packaged meals (7 breakfasts and 7 lunches PER CHILD) at the designated distribution site on the SCC Campus.
• Format: Meals will be individually portioned; the only bulk item will be one-gallon milk jugs.
• Frequency:
  • Once per week to reduce travel and staffing needs
  • Each Wednesday, beginning June 4^th and ending July 23^rd
  • Pick-up time: 6:45 a.m. – 10 a.m. (times subject to change, based on need)
• Eligibility Verification:
  • No verification needed, but intended to serve children 18 and younger in eligible rural areas
  • No need for child to be present to pick up meals

Benefits to Families:

• Time Savings: Only one trip per week is needed to pick up meals
• Reduced Costs: Helps alleviate grocery expenses during summer months
• Convenience: Easy-to-prepare or ready-to-eat, child-friendly meals simplify daily routines
• Food Security: Provides consistent nutrition for children when school meals are unavailable

Benefits to the Community:

• Efficient Resource Use: Fewer site visits reduce transportation and staffing costs
• Community Engagement: Central sites foster connections among families and local organizations
• Supports Local Employment: Creates seasonal jobs for food prep, packaging, and distribution
• Reduces Hunger: Contributes to overall child well-being and reduces strain on local food pantries

More Summer Free Meals for Kids!

The Summer Food Service Program is back!  That means FREE meals for your children at two Scottsdale community sites all summer long. 

• City of Scottsdale – Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
  • Free Lunch daily – 7 days a week!  
  • June 1^st – August 2^nd  - 12 – 1 p.m.
    • (Closed June 19^th and July 4^th)    
• Barker Branch Scottsdale Boys & Girls Club, 2311 N. Miller Rd.
  • Free Breakfast and Lunch served Monday – Friday
  • May 27^th – August 1^st
  • Breakfast – 8 – 9 a.m. / Lunch 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    • (Closed June 19^th and July 4^th)

Any child aged 18 and younger may come to either of these sites during the dedicated mealtime to receive a free meal.  There is no need for a completed meal application, and children do not need to be enrolled in a Scottsdale Unified school to participate.  Meals must be consumed on-site.

Questions?  Call us at SUSD Nutrition Services at 480-484-6234.

You could be eligible for Free or Reduced Meals! – Apply today to find out in a safe and secure way…

Applications for each new school year open around July 1^st. All SUSD households are encouraged to fill out a meal application to help district schools receive federal program funding.  As a reminder, a NEW application is required from participating families each new school year.

Complete the short meal application today to support school funding and ensure qualifying students receive benefit, including:

• P-EBT Benefits 
• School Funding: Maintains funding for student programs and services
• Academic Tests: Reduced registration fees for high school AP, SAT, and/or ACT tests
• Athletics: Free or discounted fees to participate in most sports
• College Application Fees: Discounted rates on fees associated with applying for college
• Internet Access: Eligible for discounted rates on internet services
• School Meals: Free or reduced prices on delicious and nutritious meals
• Summer School, and more!

It’s as EASY as 1-2-3 …

Click here for Linq Connect Enrollment Information

Become a Member of TEAM AWESOME!

Can we give a shout out to Team Awesome?  What a year this has been as this amazing team has continued to elevate the café and serve it up with a SMILE!   

If you are interested in being a part of Team Awesome, helping prepare healthy meals, we have both full- and part-time food prep, cashier, café manager and office positions available.  Working with SUSD Nutrition Services affords you the unique opportunity to work after your child leaves for school and return home before they get home from school!

To be qualified for one of our positions:

• You will need a Maricopa County Food Service Worker Card, which is required by health code. 
• You will need a high school diploma or GED.
• Physical mobility is a must. You don’t have to “keep up with the kids,” but you must be able to stand at your workstation or on the serving line and be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Previous knowledge of commercial food services or even school food service is preferred but not required.

We offer on-going training opportunities in food preparation, food safety, school food service compliance, and more.

To see what jobs are currently open, visit our SUSD job openings.  Apply online today or pass it on to a friend who may be interested.  We’d love to have you join us!

Pro Tip: Enter the word “Nutrition” in the search bar in the job postings to easily find all openings in SUSD Nutrition Services.

Learn More at the Source