The Benefits of Community-Inclusive Dining

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • Exceptional Quality

    • Cooking from scratch, using local and campus-grown ingredients where possible
    • Using fresh, fruits and vegetables
    • Offering fresh salads and house-made dressings
    • Offering a wide-variety of whole grain breads, bagels and rolls
    • Providing house-roasted deli meats
    • Cooking with trans fat-free oils and MSG-free seasonings
    • Serving antibiotic-free and hormone-free milk
    • Sourcing antibiotic-free chicken
    • Using cage-free Certified Humane eggs
    • Offering substantial vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options

  • Family-Focused

    At an economical price point, Community-Inclusive Dining allows parents to focus on family time rather than packing lunches and feel confident their child is eating fresh, healthy meals.

  • Education for Life

    Starting in Kindergarten, Community-Inclusive Dining incorporates techniques and disciplines that help students develop a healthy relationship with food. Educated by SAGE professionals and trained faculty and volunteers, students will learn how to make informed dietary decisions.

  • Community Experience

    Community-Inclusive Dining in the new Saints Union facilitates an efficient dining flow among staggered K-12 lunch sessions and provides opportunities for cross-divisional and family-style dining events.

  • Sustainability

    Big Blue is going green in the new Saints Union. Community-Inclusive Dining is administered through eco-friendly practices including washable melamine trays, stainless silverware, a water refilling station and composting.

The SAGE Difference

The decision to offer Community-Inclusive Dining was made for the following reasons:

  • Improve the quality of food service
  • Improve the community dining experience
  • Provide an opportunity to educate students on making healthy choices
  • Provide an opportunity for students to try new foods and more when appropriate (all you can eat)
  • Provide an economical price point in line with peer schools and a daily sack lunch

SAGE Dining uses local- and campus-grown ingredients to create delicious meals onsite every day. They partner with local vendors to bring fresh, seasonal food and produce, and tailor menus for our community, offering a variety of healthy menu choices, more whole foods, fewer additives and preservatives, and increased awareness of what goes into each meal. 

SAGE has a national client base of of 219 independent schools, including local peer schools operating Community-Inclusive Dining programs: Episcopal School of Dallas, The Hockaday School, St. Mark's School of Texas, Parish Episcopal School, Greenhill School, Fort Worth Country Day,  St. Mary's Hall in San Antonio and Casady School in Oklahoma City.

Meal Plan Pricing

Average Daily Cost
$5.10 - $6.20

Average Annual Cost
$830 - $1,055

With K-12 participation in the Community-Inclusive program, where parents are billed an annual fee with tuition, SAGE is able to provide all of our students a premium culinary experience – one that is 5x the quality, variety and affordability of what they experience today.

Dining Hall Policies FAQ

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

  • Can my family opt out of the Community-Inclusive Dining plan?

    If a family can present a medical note indicating a need that SAGE cannot accommodate, the student may be allowed to opt out. 

    Because everyone participates in the Community-Inclusive program through annual tuition, SAGE is able to provide all of our students a premium culinary experience – one that is 5x the quality, variety and affordability of what they experience today. And students are able to experience all items served (relative to age and food sensitivities) for a lower cost.

  • What if my child has a food allergy or sensitivity?

    SAGE provides national expertise on allergy accommodations and ADA compliance. All SAGE team members are extensively trained in food allergy awareness to provide menus with enough variety while also keeping community members informed. SAGE can accommodate for a wide range of food allergies and sensitivities. Concerned parents are encouraged to schedule time with a SAGE Food Service Director, Division Head and School Nurse to visit the kitchen and ask about inventories and preparation methods. SAGE's innovative online allergen filter and comprehensive ingredient list allow you to plan ahead every day. You can download the Touch of SAGE app or view online menus.

  • Will the kitchen be nut free?

    Yes. Because there is great risk of cross-contamination when cooking with nuts, SAGE currently operates, and will continue to operate, a nut-free kitchen. 

  • Are students allowed to supplement with food from home?

    Our preference is for all students to participate in SAGE food service to enjoy a common dining experience and to learn to make independent, healthy choices. We will not prevent parents from supplementing their student's lunch, and those students with food from home will not be separated from the rest of the students; however. we strongly encourage students to first explore the Dining Hall options since they offer complete nutrition and excellent quality. 

  • Can I bring lunch to my child from a restaurant or fast food chain?

    Our preference is for all students to participate in SAGE food service to enjoy a common dining experience and to learn to make independent, healthy choices. To help support these initiatives, please do not bring outside food into the Dining Hall. However, families are welcome to celebrate special occassions by bringing outside treats to share in individual classrooms.

  • How will I know my child is making healthy choices?

    SAGE provides a full curriculum for SAGE staff and All Saints' faculty to facilitate and prompt students to make healthy choices. K-12 faculty will begin their training in the Spring and complete it in August before school begins. The degree of faculty involvement, however, will vary depending on the Division. Students will be expected to exercise food choices more independently as they progress toward Commencement. SAGE will also continue to post the full menu online.

  • Are parents allowed to eat with their child(ren)?

    Absolutely, but we ask that parents protect the first four weeks of school for students and faculty to get into routine. After that time, parents are welcome to join us to experience community dining in the new Saints Union.

  • Are parents allowed to volunteer during lunch?

    Absolutely. We will welcome volunteers in the Saints Union during lunch periods for responsibilities identified by the Division Head.

  • Is breakfast included in the dining plan?

    No, breakfast will continue to operate as retail.

  • Who do I contact with questions?

    Please contact HealthyDining@aseschool.org with questions or concerns.
All Saints’ Episcopal School is a leading college preparatory day school in Fort Worth, Texas. Grounded in the Episcopal school tradition, All Saints’ offers programming of national distinction in the academic, fine art, athletic and spiritual disciplines, which brings to life our philosophy of promoting each student’s individual genius within.
All Saints’ Episcopal School © 2013
9700 Saints Circle, Fort Worth, Texas 76108 Phone: 817-560-5700