The goal of the VBSD Child Nutrition Department is to better educate the students of the Van Buren School District in the role of good nutrition and the importance of making nutritious choices at meal time. All schools in the district operate under the Titan/LINQ meal program.
Each menu is planned using USDA nutrition guidelines adopted by the Arkansas Department of Education. All VBSD cafeterias use the “Offer vs Serve” plan, which allows children to make choices for their meals.
Students in grades K-5 are offered multiple entree options.Students in grades 6-12 are allowed more flexibility through the “Scramble System” and have the option of the main dish, basket meal, or salad bar during lunch.
DIRECTOR OF CHILD NUTRITION
Tessa Clemmons serves as the Director of Child Nutrition for VBSD, working to provide students with nutritious meals that support their health and learning. She is committed to ensuring that the VBSD Child Nutrition Department provides all students with quality meal programs that promote wellness across the district.
Stay up-to-date with the latest updates, special programs, and healthy eating tips by following VBSD Child Nutrition on social media!
Child Nutrition Information
Big Dog's Grill
An extension of the VBSD Child Nutrition Department, Big Dog's Grill serves up fun, food truck fare that is both delicious and nutritious!
The commercial sized food truck can be seen at Pointer Football games and other community functions. Child Nutrition team members prepare dishes that give students and visitors a glimpse into the creative and high-caliber food served across VBSD campuses.
In the summer, the District utilizes the operation for its free summer feeding program, which is open to all youth ages 18 and under. Each fall and spring, Big Dog's Grill runs a weekly lunch route to the middle schools, Freshman Academy, and Thicksten Learning Center. Fun options often include walking tacos, wings, specialty burgers and loaded fries. Menu prices are the same as cafeteria meals including for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Families can view Big Dog's Grill weekly selections on the District's MyMenus app.
Pointer Greens Aquaponic Garden
The Pointer Greens Aquaponic Garden demonstrates VBSD's commitment to wellness and sustainability. Launched in 2024, the program provides District cafeterias with organic lettuce, herbs, and fresh fish. The state-of-the-art facility features six, 500-gallon tanks which house approximately 300 tilapia. Two smaller, 100-gallon tanks are reserved for smaller fish varieties. The by-products of the fish are used to grow nutrient-dense produce.
Revenue generated through the sale of its harvests to surrounding districts will benefit VBSD’s free breakfast initiative. The District will also utilize the facility for student learning, including field trips and offering internships and apprenticeships for those interested in the agriculture industry.
