School Lunch Program
What is the School Lunch Program?
The national school lunch program is a federally-funded program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). School lunch, as it is known today, came into being in 1946 as a result of the National School Lunch Act. That law was intended to safeguard the health and well being of the nation's children and to encourage the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities.
Are School lunches healthy?
The foodservice staff is committed to upholding USDA's new initiatives to provide healthy school meals to help your child grow in mind and in body. Menus are planned by trained foodservice professionals with the goal of providing a variety of nourishing menu items to meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Changes have been made in the menus and recipes to reduce the fat, salt and sugar content, while at the same time increasing the fiber, fruit and vegetable content of the school meals.
Can schools serve any foods they want?
USDA has established guidelines that must be followed. The School Lunch Meal Pattern is designed to provide students with one-third of their daily nutritional needs. A school lunch must include certain amounts of the following:
- Meat or meat alternate
- Vegetable and / or fruit
- Bread or bread alternate
- Milk
Aren't school lunches starchy?
Carbohydrates (starch) are the major sources of energy in the American diet. Nutritionists recommend that Americans increase their intake of complex carbohydrates (starch) and decrease their intake of fats. Calories from complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables also add fiber to the diet.
Schools are encouraged to limit simple carbohydrates (sugar) and replace desserts with fresh fruits. Students, however, need more calories than do adults. The teenage boy has the greatest caloric need of any human being. The school lunch meal is designed for growing students; it may provide excess calories for adults.
How much does a school lunch cost?
The average school lunch cost about $3.25 to prepare and serve. USDA-donated commodities and federal and state funds make up the difference between what the lunch costs to produce and what the students pay.
| 2009-2010 |
| Toddlers, PreSchool, Pre-K and Kindergarten | | $2.50 |
| Grade 1-8 | | $3.00 |
| Staff and Volunteers | | $3.50 |
| Adult Guest | | $3.50 |
| Milk | |
$0.50 |
| Ice Cream | |
$0.75 |
Why do adults and visitors pay more?
Federal reimbursement and commodities are not received for lunches sold to school staff or visitors. Adult lunch prices must by law be the highest amount charged the paying student plus the total value of federal cash and commodity assistance for the paid meal.
What about free and reduced-price meals?
Free and reduced-price meals are available to students who qualify based on family size and income as established by the Federal Guidelines. An application for free and reduced-price meals is available here for download any time during the school year. For additional information, call the foodservice department.
Why should my child buy lunch at school rather than bring it from home?
The school lunch assures that your child is receiving a nutritionally balanced meal. More variety is easier to achieve through school menus. Also, the subsidized school lunch is less expensive than a lunch of equal nutritional value prepared and packed at home.
We encourage you and your child to give school meals a try. They have great child appeal and are the best priced meal deal in town! If we can answer any questions or be of assistance, please contact the Cafeteria.
|
