We are excited to announce a new chapter in school nutrition at Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District through our partnership with Southwest Foodservice Excellence, LLC (SFE LLC) — a nationally recognized leader in K-12 nutrition services.

SFE is a culinary-based foodservice management company exclusively dedicated to K-12 students, and their mission is simple: fueling every student to reach their highest potential through delicious, nutritious, and freshly prepared meals. Their “fresh-from-scratch” approach ensures our students enjoy meals made with quality ingredients, bold flavors, and unmatched menu variety — because we believe that school meals should be something to look forward to every day.

But great food is just the beginning.

SFE is also deeply committed to working alongside our community to promote lifelong healthy habits and empower students to make smart food choices. Through nutrition education, interactive programs, and family engagement, SFE brings a spirit of wellness and community partnership to every school they serve.

Together, we’re making school dining something exciting, nourishing, and truly special for every student.

Welcome to a fresher, healthier, more flavorful future at Santa Cruz Valley USD!

Parents

• Notification of Participation in the National School Lunch Program (SSO Participation)

• ChooseMyPlateProgram

• Food Service - Civil Rights Procedures

• Breakfast and Lunch Menus

Staff

• Catering Menu

• Catering Request Form

• Elementary Sack Lunch Request Form

• Middle & High School Sack Lunch Request Form

• Athlete Meal Menu

• Athletic Meal Request Form

• Catering Request Policy & Procedure

• Santa Cruz Cruising Cuisine (Teacher and Staff Menu)

• MealTime Account Instructions

Dear Students, Parents, Staff, and Community Members of Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District,

It is with great enthusiasm and gratitude that I introduce myself as the new General Manager of Foodservice for Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District. My name is Natalie Ainza-Gonzalez, and I am honored to serve a district that is deeply committed to the success and well-being of its students.

Throughout my career in school nutrition, I have been passionate about creating positive dining experiences that nourish students, support learning, and build meaningful connections within the school community. I believe that school meals play an important role in a student’s day, providing not only nutrition but also opportunities to learn healthy habits that last a lifetime.

As we continue our partnership with Southwest Foodservice Excellence (SFE), my goal is to ensure that every student has access to fresh, high-quality meals served in a welcoming environment. Together with our dedicated foodservice team, we are committed to offering nutritious, flavorful menu options that reflect the diverse tastes and cultures of our community while maintaining the highest standards of food quality and service.

Beyond serving great meals, I am excited to expand opportunities for student engagement through taste-testing events, nutrition education, special menu promotions, and interactive programs that encourage students to explore new foods and make healthy choices. I believe our cafeterias should be places where students feel welcomed, valued, and excited to gather each day.

I look forward to working alongside our students, families, staff, and community partners as we continue to strengthen and grow our foodservice program. Thank you for the warm welcome, and I am excited for all that we will accomplish together.

Warm regards,

Natalie Ainza-Gonzalez

General Manager of Foodservice

Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35

For a full listing of our staff and contact information, click here.

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation created a tool to assist in determining whether a snack is healthy.

Click here for General Manager, Natalie Ainza's, biography.