Food Services
Hello Unit 40 Families,
Welcome to a brand new school year! I’m Ryan Elsasser, your Food Service Director, here to share a few important reminders about our breakfast and lunch programs for 2025–2026.
Our Food Services Department is committed to providing nutritious, high-quality meals that support student learning. Breakfast is served daily starting at 7:30am.
At Effingham High School, Lines 1 and 2 offer standard lunch options, while Lines 3-5 feature a la carte selections available for an additional cost. At the Junior High, extra milk and extra portions are available for an additional fee. At Central Grade School, extra milk is also available for purchase.
- Milk: $0.40
- K-8 Breakfast: $2.90
- K-8 Lunch: $3.40
- 9-12 Breakfast: $3.00
- 9-12 Lunch: $3.65
Please monitor your student's account balance through the Parent Portal. If an account has a negative balance, the student will not be able to purchase extra items or food from the a la carte lines. Students may check their balance anytime on their school issued laptop. Funds can be added through the Parent Portal (a small credit card processing fee applies) or by sending cash or check to the school office to be deposited directly into the account.
Our Food Services Director, Ryan Elsasser, works hard to introduce new menu options and source the highest quality goods. He believes learning happens best without an empty stomach. The Food Services Department is proud to provide meals that fuel student success.
If you ever have ideas or suggestions for our menus, please reach out anytime at [email protected].
It’s a privilege to serve your family and help our students thrive — here’s to a healthy, happy year ahead!
Ryan Elsasser
Food Service Director, Unit 40 Schools
Mission
The mission of the Food Service staff is to provide nutritious, eye appealing foods that promote healthy eating habits. We will serve the students in a safe, clean, and friendly environment to promote healthy bodies and minds that will enable them to excel.
Our department employs 31 well trained staff members including a food service director, cafeteria coordinator, head cooks, cooks, and cashiers. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
My Plate - www.choosemyplate.gov
Contact Information
If you have questions relating to Unit 40 Food Services please contact:
Ryan Elsasser, Food Service Director
217-540-1527
Ryan Elsasser, Food Service Director
217-540-1527