New Food Guidelines Begin This School Year

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Litchfield Elementary School District will follow new food requirements established by the Arizona Healthy Schools Act.

The law prohibits public schools participating in federally funded or assisted meal programs from serving, selling or allowing a third party to sell foods and beverages containing 11 specified ingredients during the school day. These requirements apply across the school campus, including:

• School meals

• Classroom parties and celebrations

• Food used as student rewards or incentives

• Fundraisers and food sold by outside organizations

Families may continue packing lunches, snacks or treats for their own child. However, food provided for a class, celebration, fundraiser or other group of students during the school day must meet the new requirements.

Learn more about the Arizona Healthy Schools Act and view family resources.

School Meal Information and Meal-Benefit Applications

The 2026–2027 Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application is now available. LESD79 encourages families to complete an application, even if they are unsure whether they qualify.

Income guidelines change each year, and many families may be eligible for meal benefits. Application information also helps determine eligibility for certain state and federal programs and resources that support students and schools.

The application is confidential, takes only a few minutes to complete, and requires only one submission per household.

• Breakfast: $2.05

• Lunch: $3.40

• Students approved for free or reduced-price meal benefits receive breakfast and lunch at no cost.

Families can apply online and find additional information at www.lesd79meals.org. Paper applications are also available at school offices.

For assistance, contact the LESD79 Food & Nutrition Department at 623-535-6060 or food-nutrition@lesd79.org.

Completing an application is one simple way families can prepare for the new school year while helping LESD79 connect eligible students and schools with available resources.

School Open House and First-Day Information

The first day of school is almost here, and we look forward to welcoming our Litchfield Learners back to campus on Thursday, July 30.

Before the school year begins, LESD79 families are invited to attend School Open House on Tuesday, July 28. Open House gives students and families an opportunity to visit their school, meet teachers and staff, locate classrooms and receive information for the new school year.

School Open House Times:
-Elementary schools: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
-K–8 schools: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
-Middle schools: 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Families should watch for additional Open House information directly from their child’s school.

School supply lists and other helpful resources are available on the LESD79 Back-to-School webpage. Families are encouraged to review the information before Open House and check back regularly for updates.

We look forward to seeing our families on July 28 and welcoming students for the first day of school on July 30.

Visit www.lesd79.org/backtoschool for school supply lists, transportation information, and additional back-to-school resources.

Transportation Registration and Bus Information

LESD79 families who plan to use district transportation are encouraged to complete transportation registration and pick up their child’s RFID bus pass before the school year begins.

Families can receive assistance during one of the remaining Transportation Open Houses:

Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 4:00–6:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Both events will be held at:

LESD79 Support Services Building
18921 W. Thomas Road, Building A
Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

During the Transportation Open House, families can:
-Register their child for district transportation
-Pick up their child’s RFID bus pass
-Receive available bus route information
-Get assistance with BusQuest

Families are encouraged to complete these steps as soon as possible to help prepare for the first day of school on Thursday, July 30.

Please note that the Transportation Open House is separate from the School Open House, which will be held at each school on Tuesday, July 28.

Visit www.lesd79.org/backtoschool for transportation information and additional back-to-school resources.

The Litchfield Elementary School District Governing Board has re-elected Melissa Zuidema to serve as Board President for a fourth term. Elected annually by fellow board members, President Zuidema brings a strong commitment to student-centered decision-making, collaboration, and public education.

An advocate for families, staff, and the community, President Zuidema looks forward to continuing her work with district leadership to support student success and the development of the Litchfield Learner.