
USDA's National School Lunch & School Breakfast Program Nutrition Standards
Breakfast & lunch menus are planned according to USDA's guidelines for the National School Lunch & School Breakfast Programs. For lunch, students have the option to create their own meals by selecting from a variety of foods served. At minimum, students must pick 3 of these options (including 1 fruit or vegetable) and are encouraged to choose 1 from each category for maximum nutrition benefits:
Entree + Fruit + Vegetable + Milk + Various Sides
All meals served must meet the minimum nutrition requirements that are federally mandated.
Breakfast
- 1 oz whole grain-rich grains
- 1 cup of whole fruit or vegetable, and/or 100% juice
- 1 cup of milk
Lunch
- 1 oz of whole-grain rich grains
- 1 oz of protein
- 1/2 cup fruit or 100% juice
- 3/4 cup vegetable
- 1 cup milk