As of August 2019, for student safety reasons and to control disruptions of school operations and the learning environment, the Gilroy Unified School District will no longer allow outside food delivery, including professional delivery and food brought from home, to students during school hours.  

The increasing number of attempted deliveries is disruptive to both the school operations and the learning environment.  The State legislature has directed school districts through Education Code Section 32212 to control interruptions during school hours.  District Board Policies 1250 and 6116 require school staff to ensure that disruptions to school operations and classrooms are kept to a minimum.  In keeping with these directives, the District has determined that food delivery causes a major disruption to the campus as it takes school staff away from essential duties. 

Please know that we will refuse delivery of any food items delivered to campus. Gilroy Unified School District will not be held responsible for any costs associated with the ordering of food in violation of Board policy.  This applies to any food brought from off campus including food brought from home. Accepting such deliveries not only disrupts campus operation, but also would require us to keep all items in facilities required by health code. These facilities are not available in our offices and storing food improperly poses a health risk to students.  The District asks for your cooperation in not ordering food to be delivered or bringing food to your child. 

Students are allowed to bring their lunch from home or purchase food from the cafeteria.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Food Delivery FAQ

Q. Why did the Gilroy Unified School District enact this policy?

A.  First and foremost, this is about the safety of all students. Food delivery services have increased making it more difficult for us to supervise students and our schools. We must be able to manage and control the number of people coming onto our campuses. Also, this is a risk to student health as we do not have the facilities to store food in the offices at our school sites. The enforcement of this policy also decreases the chances of cross-contamination of food which otherwise would place our students and staff with food allergies at higher risk.   

Q. Is Gilroy Unified School District the only district with this policy?

A.  Many districts across the country have limited or stopped the practice of food delivery for these same reasons. 

Q. What happens if my child forgets lunch?

A. The student may eat lunch in the cafeteria. A student is never refused a meal.  Gilroy Unified School District feeds all students the same meals, regardless of ability to pay.

Q. I heard that students that do not have money on their account are given a different lunch is that true?

A.  No. All students are provided with the same options regardless of the status of their lunch account.

Q. My child has severe food allergies. What happens if my child forgets lunch and is on a special diet? 

A.  The Food Service Department does accommodate alternative food for students with allergies when the attached Medical Statement from their Doctor is provided. 

Q. I still have questions who should I ask?

A.  We understand that individual families might need further clarification. If you have questions not addressed above please email communications@gilroyunified.org