Student Life
Lunch Program
Balanced Lunch Program
JCDS offers a voluntary lunch service that provides delicious, nutritious meals that are enjoyed daily by students, faculty, and staff.
Under the guidance of Chef Jim Gruebel, our dedicated Dining Room team offers a wide variety of globally inspired entrées, along with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain options. Every day, students can enjoy a soup du jour, vegetarian choices, and a bountiful salad bar—giving them the freedom to build a delicious, well-balanced meal.
Our team partners closely with families to ensure students with food allergies have safe, tasty options. Potential allergens are clearly identified on the menu board each day, helping students and families make confident, informed choices.
At JCDS, lunch is more than a meal—it’s a meaningful time for connection, one of our core values. Teachers and staff regularly eat with students, strengthening relationships across the community. Older students often share lunch with their younger buddies, and parents are welcome to join their child for lunch on special occasions.
Our team partners closely with families to ensure students with food allergies have safe, tasty options. Potential allergens are clearly identified on the menu board each day, helping students and families make confident, informed choices.
At JCDS, lunch is more than a meal—it’s a meaningful time for connection, one of our core values. Teachers and staff regularly eat with students, strengthening relationships across the community. Older students often share lunch with their younger buddies, and parents are welcome to join their child for lunch on special occasions.
Meet Chef Jim
JCDS is fortunate to have Chef Jim Gruebel at the helm of our dining program. Chef Jim has over 20 years experience in the food service industry. He has worked alongside some of the best chefs in Jacksonville at such fine dining establishments as BB’s, Serenata Beach Club, Sawgrass Marriott, Restaurant Medure, Matthews, and M Shack.
JCDS is proud to support Chef Jim in his goal of preparing wholesome and nutritious food by using the freshest ingredients possible for his small customers — our students. Chef Jim's knowledge of nutrition and food allergies is crucial to the safety and well-being of our community.
Some of Chef Jim's best and most popular offerings for school lunch include:
• Teriyaki Chicken Thighs with Vegetables
• Pasta with Homemade Bolognese Sauce
• Pulled Pork Sandwich
• Roasted Chicken Quarters
• Flatbread Pizza
• Breakfast for Lunch
• Entrée Salad (offered daily)
Jacksonville Country Day School
Located in Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville Country Day School is a private school for Pre-K 3 through 5th grade. JCDS prepares students for a healthy and productive lifetime of intellectual exploration, character development, and social responsibility.
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