New School Lunch Requirements

Beginning this September, students will experience new USDA requirements when they eat in their school cafeteria. One major change is that students will be required to choose at least 1/2 cup of fruits or vegetables to create a complete meal.  

Fruits and Vegetables are Required

Student meals must contain a minimum of three of the five food groups with one choice being a fruit or vegetable. The five food groups to select from are fruits, vegetables, protein, whole grains, and milk.     

If no fruit or vegetable is selected, the student will pay the individual item price for food instead of the complete meal price. 

Whole Grains 

The new regulations require that half of grains offered at lunch be whole grains. The new SSD pizza crust is made with 51 percent white whole wheat and 25 percent less sodium. The new standards also require schools to significantly lower sodium in menus.

Other Menu Changes

• Students will be offered 50 percent more of fruit and vegetable options
• The menu will include dark greens, orange starchy vegetables and legumes.
• New grade groups for menu planning aim at ensuring students receive age appropriate portions and nutrients
• A variety of whole grain options including pizza, rolls, muffins, pancakes, waffles and whole-grain/reduced sugar cereals
• Non-salt seasonings and herbs to replace or reduce salt
• Lower sodium sauces and spreads
• Food products and ingredients will contain zero grams of trans fat per serving
• Use of healthy fats and oils
• Smaller portion sizes for items such as burritos, wraps, hoagies, hot meat sandwiches, calzones, strombolis, and pasta dishes

For more information visit the Springfield School District website or call 610-938-6000.

What do you think of the school lunch changes? Let Patch know in the comments below.