Dolphin Deli
2025
Dolphin Deli is Del Rey's breakfast and lunch program. Our food service provider is Chartwells. Every student can get a nutritious, delicious and free breakfast and lunch every day. Detailed menus are available HERE.
Dolphin Deli loves volunteers! Click here to sign-up.
Free Breakfast and Lunch
All schools in California provide students with free breakfast and lunch.
Free meals for every child? Really?
Yes!
What kind of food will be offered?
Monthly menus are posted on Nutrislice. Several entrees are offered for lunch every day, including at least one vegetarian option. Plus, there is a variety bar packed with fruits and veggies.
Is the food nutritious?
The food offered will follow the rather strict guidelines set by the National School Lunch Program. Guidelines require a specific amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources while limiting calories, fat, and sodium levels.
If you are interested in the fine print, the text of the national regulation can be found here: Meal Requirements CFR
How do I order meals?
You do not need to pre-order meals. Your child may walk-in during the breakfast or lunch service if they want a meal. We encourage you to go over the menu with your child and talk to them about what choices you would like them to make.
How does breakfast work?
Breakfast will be available to pick up from the multipurpose room before school. Anybody who wants breakfast can get in line. Food items are grab-and-go (i.e. cereal, bagel, string cheese, fruit). Students are required to take certain foods, even if they won’t eat them. Each student must choose:
- ½ cup of fruit or a fruit juice
- 2% Milk or Chocolate Milk
- Their choice of entree
What will lunch be like?
If a student wants lunch, they just get in line. Like breakfast, students are required to take certain foods, even if they might not eat them. The options available every day are:
- ½ cup of fruit
- ½ cup or more of vegetables
- 2% Milk or Chocolate Milk
Plus their choice of the entrées of the day consisting of:
- Whole Grain and
- Meat or vegetarian protein
The student is allowed to skip up to two of the numbered items above, except that a minimum of ½ cup fruit or vegetables is required.
What happens to the food that the kids don’t eat?
In an effort to minimize food waste, a “share table” will be set out. This is an opportunity for your child to drop off items they won’t eat and maybe pick up some that they will. They also can come back and visit the share table after they finish eating if they are still hungry.
Can my child just grab a milk and skip the rest?
Yes and no. Once a kid enters the line they will be required to get certain items. If they only want the milk, they can drop everything else off on the “share table” after checking out. Another option is to share their unwanted food with a friend or two.
My kid eats a lot! Can they go back for seconds?
Unfortunately, no. The strict government nutrition standards limit what we can provide to the kids and we are not allowed to give them extra portions. There are several solutions to the “big eater” problem:
- Pack a supplemental snack or two to go along with your child’s lunch. One suggestion is to have them eat the snack first and then get their free lunch to skip the lines.
- Kids can check out the “share table” to see if there is additional food there that they can take.
- Ask friends. Maybe someone brought a lunch from home but is still hungry and would like to grab a free lunch to share?
What about minimum days where dismissal is before lunch?
On minimum days, to-go food will be offered in the multi-purpose room after the dismissal bell. Stop by before heading home.
My child has medical restrictions, how do I ensure the meals are safe for them?
Please fill out this medical request form and file it with the school’s office. Once filed the food provider will monitor the selections of your child.
If I volunteer, what will I be doing?
Volunteers will help monitor the lunch line and salad bar, put away lunch cards and monitor lunch tables.
Great, how do I sign up to volunteer?
FOOD or POLICY QUESTIONS
email: delreylunch@gmail.com
