New USDA Regulations for School Lunches

School Meals are Changing - New School Meal Requirements

You may have heard in the news that school lunches around the country are changing for the better. For the first time in nearly two decades, the federal government has issued new nutrition standards for meals served to school children. The new requirements are great news for our students! The new requirements will help the Cabot School District build on the work we are already doing to provide more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthier entrees in our school cafeterias.

Changes for 2012-2013

The new requirements include strict limits on the portion sizes, calories, saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium in school meals. We are meeting these nutrition standards by offering students a selection of low-fat and fat-free milk, larger portions of colorful fruits and vegetables, and a variety of whole grains and lean protein choices. All lunches include five meal components:

• a meat or meat alternate such as yogurt, lean beef, chicken or low-fat cheese

• a grain such as whole-wheat bread, pasta, or brown rice

• a fresh, canned, or dried fruit selection raw or cooked vegetables in a variety of colors

• low-fat and fat-free milk

Each child must select at least three of these five components on their tray to make a meal. The biggest change to this old requirement is that now at least one of those three components must be a fruit or a vegetable.

Please explain these changes to your child before they arrive at school. Every student needs to be prepared to select at least one fruit or vegetable with their lunch every day. We are planning our menus to include selections we know students like, as well as different foods they may not have tried before. Please encourage your child to try these new foods.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help!

Erin Wilkes MS, RD, LD
Director of Food Services
Cabot School District
501-743-3598