What You Need to Know About School Nutrition
(Fresh fruit and vegetables offered with every lunch) 
The Core Programs
|
School Breakfast Increasing participation in the School Breakfast School Breakfast Program (SBP) • 10.1 million children served daily* • 1.7 billion breakfasts served annually • 22% of kids don’t eat breakfast on school days** Our district’s School Breakfast Program Participation: 885 served daily |
School Lunch Increasing participation in National School Lunch Program (NSLP) • 30.5 million children served daily. 95% of schools participate in NSLP • 5 billion lunches served annually
Our district’s School Lunch Program Participation: 2,232 served daily |
|
The Facts . Windsor School Meals
|
|
School meals are balanced and HealthyLunches that are part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) must meet nutrition guidelines including: • limiting fat and saturated fat in meals • providing one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C • NSLP lunches meet the dietary guidelines • NSLP lunches are served in age appropriate portion sizes and provide the right balance of protein, dairy, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. |
School Meals help kids maintain a healthy weight• Students who eat school meals provided through the NSLP and the SBP are more likely to be at a healthy weight.*** • NSLP participants are more likely than nonparticipants to consume vegetables, milk and milk products, and meat and other protein rich foods, both at lunch and over 24 hours; they also consume less soda and/or fruit drinks.* • This benefit is especially relevant for kids and their parents in today's climate of heightened awareness of obesity issue. • Students are less likely to gain weight during the school year when in school then during the summer when school is out. *Source USDA **Source: Weekly Reader Research, 10/19/2006***Source Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, August 2003 |
|
School Meals include USDA commodity foodsUSDA has made significant progress in reducing the fat, sodium and added sugar in commodity foods. • Ground beef was reduced to an average 15% fat, as compared to an average 30% fat content in the fast food industry. • Commodity canned fruits are only bought with light syrup and fruit juice verses heavy syrup. Applesauce is unsweetened. • A wide variety of fresh, frozen and canned fruit and vegetable products are offered. Over 50% of commodities available to schools are grains, fruits and vegetables. |
School meals help students to do better in school• Research has shown that students who eat school meals perform their best academically. • Students who eat school breakfast have greater gains in standardized test scores and show improvements in math, reading and vocabulary scores.* • Healthy eating correlates with less trips to the school nurse and less absenteeism. • Providing nutritious school breakfast on testing days leads to improved test scores. *Classroom Breakfast Scores High in Maryland, Maryland Meals for Achievement. October 2001 |
|
School meals are safe• School nutrition professionals have rigorous training in food safety and have implemented a HACCP Plan. • School kitchens are subject to two health inspections annually conducted by the local health department. Posted at each site for your review. • According to the Food and Drug Administration, school kitchens are among the safest of commercial and institutional food-service establishments. • USDA commodities used in the NSLP are safe and part of a nutritious school lunch. |
|
|
Wellness PoliciesOur school district has guidelines for • School meals• A la carte cafeteria sales • Vending machines • Student stores • Classroom parties and special events • Fundraising events Wellness policies are comprehensive Physical Activity and Nutrition Education are included |
The Role of Parents Parents and school nutrition professionals share the same goals: • Well balanced nutritious meals for thier kids • Creating healthy eating habits for life Parents are role models and influence what kids eat • Encourage healthy eating an lifestyles at home for you and your kids (actions speak louder than words...) |
How to Get Involved• Review the cafeteria menu with your kids to help them plan for a balanced meal • Join your kids for school lunch or school breakfast • Communicate any concerns or special diets your kids may have • Tell us what you think |
|