Knowing about the nutritional content of foods is important for all families, including those with students who have special nutritional needs. The district looks at those needs on a case-by-case basis in an attempt to develop a meal plan that works for every student. Sodexo's So Happy App also includes nutritional, ingredient, and allergen information. In addition, we offer programs like the Harvest of the Month farm-to-table program at our elementary schools and taste-testing of elevated foods at secondary schools that help determine menu items.
USDA meal requirements
As a participant in the National School Lunch Program, the USDA manages meal requirements for our schools. Visit the USDA's webpage, Healthier School Day, for a list of tips, resources, and kid-friendly recipes to help make good nutrition as easy as 1-2-3.
Fruits and vegetables
We offer a larger variety of nutrient-dense vegetables, including dark green, orange, starchy vegetables, and legumes. Students are required to take 1/2 cup of fruit and/or vegetable for their meal to be considered a full meal. Colorful fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals important for growth and development during childhood.
Allowable grains and proteins
Menus offer specific amounts of whole grains and proteins. This is intended to make sure students are receiving age-appropriate, nutritionally adequate meals that provide the right amount of energy from healthful food sources. We offer a variety of whole grains on menus with items like whole grain pizza crust, rolls, muffins, pancakes, waffles, and cereal.
Lower sodium
We review food products and work with food manufacturers to lower sodium in products. We modify and develop creative new recipes using non-salt seasonings, herbs, and tasty fresh foods.
Reduced fats
Unhealthy fats such as saturated and trans fat can lead to heart disease and high cholesterol, as well as other chronic diseases. We only use food products and ingredients that contain zero grams of trans fat per serving.
Menus by age groups
Grade groups for menu planning ensure students receive age-appropriate portions and nutrients. Calorie requirements are implemented to align with grade groups.
In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
- mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
- fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
- email:
Program.Intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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