School meals are regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA establishes meal patterns and nutritional guidelines based on the Guidelines for Healthy Americans and the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for children of different age groups. Menus are planned to meet the established nutritional guidelines of one-third (1/3) of the RDA for lunch, and one-fourth (1/4) for breakfast. The school meals are planned to have 30 percent or less calories from fat, 10 percent or less of calories from saturated fat, and specific levels of certain vitamins and minerals. Menus meet requirements and quantities established by USDA under the traditional food based daily menu pattern.
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½ pt Milk |
½ pt Milk |
½ c Fruit or Juice |
1 serving Bread/Grain (8 per week) |
2 servings Bread/Grains
OR
2 oz equivalent Meat/Protein
OR
1 serving Bread/Grain and
1 oz equivalent Meat/Protein |
2 oz equivalent Meat/Protein |
2 servings (minimum
¾ c total) Fruit/Vegetables |
The Division of Food and Nutrition Services analyzes and evaluates menus regularly in order to ensure that the USDA guidelines and RDA's are met. In addition, the Maryland State Department of Education, School and Community Nutrition Programs Branch conduct an annual review of operations and menus.
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