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The USDA has
just released new Nutrition Standards for School Breakfast and Lunch
programs that begin taking effect next school year. The new
standards are designed to meet recommended quantities for 24 key
nutrients based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
As in the past, school meals need to meet specific menu planning
requirements as well as nutrition standards that are measured by the
foods students eat on a weekly basis.
In the
regulations for next year, major
changes have been made to increase the amounts of fruits and
vegetables served each day to specify quantities that must be
served of dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, legumes and
leafy salad greens. Milk served must be skim or 1%, and at least
half of the grains served must be whole grain rich.
Beginning in July of 2014, all grains must be whole grain rich.
Nutrient standards now will specify nutrients based on three age
groups (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 grades).
Your food
service program has already been working on moving toward these new
standards, by offering our Fruit and Vegetable Bars, Harvest of the
Month featured items and serving whole grains when available.
We have introduced many new recipes made from scratch to incorporate
legumes and a variety of vegetables. We already serve skim and
1% milk, and use low sodium
products which will help us meet the new requirements.
You will
continue to see changes to our menus as we implement the new
standards. As always, we are committed to providing you the
highest quality and most nutritious meal for the best value
possible, and we appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your
family. |
