12.14.2012 This week, USDA released a memo stating that for the rest of the 2012-13 school year, schools would still be in compliance with the new school lunch pattern even if they exceed weekly maximums for meat/meat alternate and/or grains. Schools must still meet weekly age/group ranges for average calories served and must still meet daily and weekly minimums for both meat and grains. While many school districts have successfully implemented the new standards in California, some school districts across the country have had trouble designing menus and ordering products that comply with the weekly maximum for meat/meat alternate and/or grain servings. It is important to remember that even with the delayed enforcement of the meat/meat alternate and grain category maximums, schools must still meet the minimum serving requirements for fruits and vegetables, and stay within the age-appropriate calorie ranges for the week. CFPA acknowledges that this temporary flexibility gives schools and the food industry time to develop appropriate menus and products that meet the standards and appeal to students. However, it is critical that local, state and federal partners work to ensure that these standards are not compromised and that after this school year, schools adhere to the weekly meat/meat alternate and grain requirements. These requirements were developed using science-based evidence to ensure that school meals contribute to a healthy balanced diet. CFPA will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that these standards are successfully implemented across California.
As schools work to meet these new standards, even with the flexibility afforded by USDA for the remainder of this year, they must ensure that the new menus appeal to students. CFPA encourages schools to do this by engaging students in school meal menu development, marketing the meal program improvements to students and families, strengthening customer service, and increasing food quality by preparing food closer to the point of service.
Read more about these School Meals+ Strategies here PDF
Read more about the importance of the new school meals here link
