| HOW ARE THE MENUS PLANNED
THAT GET OFFERED TO THE STUDENTS?
USDA has identified 5 menu planning systems that can be
used in planning healthy school meals that are consistent
with the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), age appropriate
caloric goals, and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
We use a Traditional Food Based Menu Planning System that
requires 5 components to be offered at every lunch period.
The 5 components are as follows:
Meat or Meat Alternate-2oz
Fruit &/or Vegetable- ¾ cup total
Grain/Bread- 2servings
Milk-8oz
Of the 5 components offered, the student must select full
size portions of at least 3 of the 5 items. In order to
accommodate the needs and preferences of each student,
we offer a variety of menu options daily.
WHY DOES MY SCHOOL ONLY SERVE FAT FREE MILK?
Fat
Free milk has a lower fat content than 1%,
2%, or whole milk. We serve a fat-free milk called Texas
2-Step. It allows us to be consistent with the Dietary
Guidelines in avoiding too much fat, saturated fat, and
cholesterol.
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WHY DO THE EARLY LEARNING CENTERS ONLY SERVE WHOLE MILK?
Whole milk is served in our Early Learning Centers,
because kids at the Early Learning age need a little extra
fat
due to their high energy needs. However, by the time
kids enter elementary school, broader menu items are offered
with other sources of fat.
WHAT CHANGES ARE BEING MADE TO THE MENUS TO ADDRESS THE
PREVALENCE OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY IN OUR CHILDREN?
Overweight
and obesity is a chronic disease that occurs when more
calories are consumed than are expended. Genetic,
social, cultural and environmental influences contribute
to the
imbalance of calorie consumption and energy expenditure.
We take the following steps to reduce fat, sodium, and sugar
in our foods, which contribute to a decrease in overall
calories consumed:
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-
Ground beef is rinsed to reduce fat content by 30%
- Foods are oven baked instead of fried. We do not have fryers
at our elementary or middle schools.
- Turkey ham is purchased in place of some Pork products
(lower in fat)
- Vegetables are prepared without butter or margarine
- Low fat cheese is used on pizzas served in elementary and
secondary schools
- Canned fruits in light syrup are purchased
- At least 2 fresh fruits are offered daily, along with other
canned fruit varieties.
-
Boxed “To Go” salads and tossed
salads are offered daily for lunch
- Rolls, biscuits, and other grain products are brushed with
fat-free milk rather than butter
-”
Smart A la Carte” items are offered
in elementary schools.
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