School meals are planned to include the appropriate servings of meat/meat alternate, breads/grains, fruits/vegetables, and milk. Meals are set-up as offer versus served, which means the student must select at least 3 and no more than 5 of the meal components offered at lunch and 3 of the 4 offered items at breakfast. Side orders of any components may be purchased “a la Carte” for an additional charge. Menus must follow guidelines set by the federal government and must meet nutritional goals when averaged over a school week.
The USDA has determined practical, science-based nutrition standards for snack foods and beverages sold to children at school during the school day (Smart Snacks). The school day is considered 12 midnight the night before to 30 minutes after the end of the school day. School fundraisers that include food and are sold to students during the school day must now meet the Smart Snacks nutrition guidelines.
