School LUnch is doing some pretty AMAZING things these days.......
In December 2012, President Obama passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, that gave the USDA permission to make new school lunch guidelines and to align them with the newest Dietary Guidelines for Americans (MyPlate). Numerous changes are being put into place to help make school lunches healthier for your children. Over the next ten years these guidelines will be put into place starting this year (2012-2013 school year). These recommendations are made by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and are expected improve diets and health of school children to decrease obesity trends. Schools are now being required to increase availability of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat milk in school meals. They also have to decrease sodium, saturated fat, and trans fat in school lunches and breakfasts. There are also set requirements for calories for different age groups that must be met.
Changes Being Made 2012-2013 School Year:
Twice the amount of fruits and vegetables are being offered!
At least half of the grains must be whole grains (this includes bread, pastas, rice, breaded chicken etc.)
Milk must be low fat or no fat, Flavored milk must be no fat!
Set calorie ranges for different grade levels (k-5 Lunch: 550-650kcal, 6-8 Lunch: 600-700kcals, 9-12: 750-850kcals)
Decrease in sodium content (this will gradually decrease over the next few years).
Saturated fats less than 10% of calories.
Zero grams of trans-fat per serving!
What Students Need to Know: Lunch options will now consistent of 5 components and students need to choose a minimum of three. One of the components chosen must be a fruit or vegetable. Other components are milk, grain, or meat/meat alternative. Breakfast Changes: Breakfast consists of 3 components (fruit/juice, milk, and grain) Students must choose a minimum of three different items. At least one of the choices must be the fruit/juice component.
Changes Being Made 2012-2013 School Year:
Twice the amount of fruits and vegetables are being offered!
At least half of the grains must be whole grains (this includes bread, pastas, rice, breaded chicken etc.)
Milk must be low fat or no fat, Flavored milk must be no fat!
Set calorie ranges for different grade levels (k-5 Lunch: 550-650kcal, 6-8 Lunch: 600-700kcals, 9-12: 750-850kcals)
Decrease in sodium content (this will gradually decrease over the next few years).
Saturated fats less than 10% of calories.
Zero grams of trans-fat per serving!
What Students Need to Know: Lunch options will now consistent of 5 components and students need to choose a minimum of three. One of the components chosen must be a fruit or vegetable. Other components are milk, grain, or meat/meat alternative. Breakfast Changes: Breakfast consists of 3 components (fruit/juice, milk, and grain) Students must choose a minimum of three different items. At least one of the choices must be the fruit/juice component.