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Food Services Director, Renee Heller
518-456-6200, ext. 0110
Guilderland schools offer students food choices that adhere to the nutritional requirements set forth by the New York State Education Department under the Child Nutrition Program and the Federal Government under the Department of USDA.
These mandatory requirements look at portion serving sizes for fruits and vegetables, proteins, starches, and milk; and minimum and maximum calories allowed during lunch and breakfast. These required food choices also meet adequate amounts of calcium, fiber, vitamins A, E, D, and limit saturated fats and overall total dietary fat content to maintain a healthy student.
Last school year, the Guilderland Central School District added the option of Halal meals to its food service offering, as part of its commitment and dedication to ensuring all students feel valued and have a sense of belonging. Halal meals are prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary laws, which outline specific guidelines regarding what is permissible and forbidden to consume. These laws govern the types of food allowed and how it is prepared. By providing Halal options, the district is supporting students in practicing their faith while fully participating in school life.
While a variety of food choices are made available to all students, parents and guardians may also request meal modifications if the available options do not meet their child’s dietary needs. To request a meal modification, please contact Food Services Director, Renee Heller at 518-456-6200, ext. 0110.
Free Meals for All Students
All Guilderland Central School District students are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch every school day.
Low-income families may also be eligible for benefits such as waivers for AP exams and college applications, discounts on school-related programs, and access to resources such as the weekend backpack program or holiday assistance. Please fill out the application below to apply for these services.
- Letter to parents about free school meals
- Income form for school program benefits
- Online application for school program benefits
Submit your form
If you think your household may qualify, please fill out the online meal application or return the completed form to:
Guilderland Central School District
Attn: Renee Heller
8 School Road, Guilderland Center, NY 12085
GCSD Utilizes Food Service App LINQ Connect
LINQ Connect is an easy-to-use, secure online system that allows families to set up payments, view transactions, set spending limits, transfer funds and receive balance notifications.
Download the LINQ Connect mobile app to your phone, available for free for iOS and Android devices. Visit your app store to download the LINQ Connect app, then log in using your existing username and password. When using a computer, go to LINQConnect.com to log in.
Secure online payments can be made using LINQ Connect.
There is an increased convenience fee charged for online payments.
$2.85 for deposits up to $72.15; amounts above $72.15 will be charged a 3.95% fee per credit card transaction.
ACH payments are also accepted. There is a flat fee of $0.99 per ACH transaction.
All fees go directly to LINQ Connect to cover the vendor’s costs of operating the online payment system.
NOTE: Funds can be deposited to your child’s account via check or cash and there is no transaction fee. Checks should be made payable to “Guilderland Cafeteria” and sent to your child’s school in a sealed envelope marked “School Lunch” with your child’s name. If sending cash, please send it in a sealed envelope marked “School Lunch” with your child’s name.
For web version of LINQ Connect log in, click here.
Free Summer Meals
Children ages 18 and under can get free, healthy meals this summer at nearby locations. No need to sign up; just drop by when meals are served. To find summer meals, see the attached flyer, text “Food” to 304-304 or visit summermealsNY.org.
School Benefits Applications for 2026-27
Applications must be completed annually to receive all of the benefits of the program, including reduced fees with SATs, AP exams, college course tuition, etc. Learn more about free meals.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact the GCSD Food Service Director Renee Heller at 518-456-6200, ext. 0110.
Cafeteria Menus
To view the GCSD menus, click here.
Sign in to your account or click “view as guest” to browse the breakfast and lunch menus. Once on the menus page, select your school in the dropdown menu.
Breakfast
Did you know that Guilderland Schools offers a wholesome school breakfast meal in all of its buildings every morning? Studies have shown that eating breakfast improves student’s academic performance, decreases behavioral problems, and improves their overall diet. All students are eligible for free breakfast. Please direct any questions about our school breakfast program to Food Services Director Renee Heller.
Breakfast is served daily in the elementary school cafeteria from 7:45-8:15 a.m.; 8-9:00 a.m. in the middle school cafeteria; and 7-7:30 a.m. in the high school cafeteria.
View the breakfast menu items that are available.
Job Openings
Please check the Employment page periodically for open positions.
Food Assistance Resources
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides monthly benefits to use at grocery stores and farmers markets. Together with school meals, SNAP helps kids get the nutrition they need. To see if you may be eligible for SNAP visit SNAPHelpNY.org or text SNAPNY to 844-366-3435.
Hunger Solutions New York can help you complete and submit your application. It is free and confidential.