Office of Nutrition and Food Services

The Office of Nutrition and Food Services (ONFS) is responsible for providing safe and nutritious meals to the youth housed in DJJ facilities. DJJ participates in the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the Wellness Program regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Food service teams follow menus planned and analyzed by a registered and licensed dietitian, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and three snacks daily. The meals and snacks provide approximately 3,000 calories per day based on the Recommended Daily Allowances and Dietary Reference Intakes.  

ONFS is committed to assisting in the growth and development of all youth. This commitment is supported by the provision of healthy foods that supply nutrients and fluids necessary for proper growth and development. In addition, ONFS is an integral part of DJJ’s efforts to increase youth awareness regarding long-term healthy food choices and fitness.

A team of nationally registered and state licensed dietitians plan all menus providing approximately 3,000 calories per day.

DJJ participates in the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National School Breakfast, Lunch and Afterschool Snack Programs, meeting all regulations required to obtain reimbursements for meals and utilize USDA commodity foods. 

Central Office Contacts for the Office of Nutrition and Food Services.

The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) educates youth on life-long practices to ensure an overall healthy lifestyle.  DJJ encourages youth to be physically active, drink plenty of water, make nutritious meal choices and have a healthy mind.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s “2020 Vision” encourages schools to serve at least 20% Georgia Grown items on each student's plate by the year 2020. The Department of Juvenile Justice already meets this goal and will continue to seek out more Georgia Grown products for youth to enjoy. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program, also known as the Summer Meals Program, provides kids and teens in low-income areas free meals when school is out. To find USDA-approved meal sites in your neighborhood, where children and teens age 18 and younger receive free meals in a safe and supervised environment, click on the link below.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.