Dietary
Guidelines for Americans and MyPyramid - Steps to a Healthier You
In an attempt to implement the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) and MyPyramid - Steps to a Healthier You developed by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Nutrition Services strives to lower fat, saturated fat, and sodium in its menus. However, it is a gradual process that requires the cooperative efforts of students, parents, the Office of Food and Nutrition Services, and the food industry. In addition, the increasing diversity of our growing student population impacts menu planning.
To ensure that menus are nutritionally adequate, a nutritional analysis is compiled on the menus using vendor data, approved USDA software NutriKids, and recognized current research texts. Foods rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Iron are offered several times a week. The National Research Council does not list levels of fat, sugar, sodium or fiber in its table of recommended dietary allowances. However, current DGA recommends fat, sugar, and salt (sodium chloride) be consumed in moderation. Our menus are designed to provide choices of foods that will meet this recommendation. Elementary monthly parent menus list percentage of calories from fat (30% percent or less) and saturated fat (10% percent) of the calories averaged over the week.
A Nutrifax is posted in each school dining area, which lists the calories, protein, carbohydrate, fat, and saturated fat per item served in menus (PDF Nutrifax: Elementary School, Middle School/High School). A la carte (items that supplement meals) reflect Virginia Governor's Standards for School Nutrition .
Rate your Snacks
Nutrition Calculator is a new easy to use tool to assist students and parent to evaluate their snacks at home and is “fun” teaching tool for the classroom.
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