2012-2013 Menu Changes

When students return to school in September their lunch options will look different. The new, strict federal nutrition standards for school meals are based on the latest nutrition science by the Institute of Medicine and the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These changes will increase the cost of providing meals, but students will not have to pay more.

The ultimate goal of USDA's "the School Day just got Healthier" is to ensure students make school meal choices that complement the nutrition curriculum taught in the classroom so they are healthy, active, and ready to learn. Parents are critical partners and should review the daily menu with their children. New menu highlights include:

• Meal calories based on grade level of student. (grades K-5, 6-8, and 9-12)
• Reduced protein (meat/meat alternate) portions for grades K-5.
• Increased fruits and vegetables.
• NEW requirement that students MUST select one serving of vegetable or fruit with lunch.
• Limited number of servings of whole grain-rich breads and cereals.
• Choice of only fat-free flavored or unflavored milk or 1% low-fat unflavored milk.
• Reduced saturated fat and sodium and zero trans fats.