Healthy Meals at School

The federal government has enacted the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. This legislation makes adjustments to nutritional requirements for the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. In 2012, these changes went into effect. 

Some of the changes included:

• Wider assortment of fresh vegetables and fruits
• More whole grains 
• Leaner protein
• Reduced sodium
• More servings of beans & legumes
• More dark green leafy vegetables and orange & yellow vegetables
• Reduced saturated fat
• Caloric limits based on K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 grade ranges

We use the same brand-name food that you purchase for your students at home, like Tyson, Kellogg's, Land-O-Lakes, Jennie-O, General Mills, Pillsbury and more. We try to make our menus reflect the taste of the students. Your student may see their favorites; like chicken nuggets, pizza and macaroni and cheese. But as a parent, you can feel good knowing these items are healthier than the versions they might be used to.

Each school meal is made up of 5 components: Fruit, vegetable, meat/meat alternate, grain and milk.  Students may take all 5 or they may decline 1-2 meal components, however 1 fruit or vegetable must be selected to be considered a lunch. For example, they select a piece of pizza. Pizza contains 2 components (meat & grain). To qualify for a meal, the student would have to then choose at least 1 fruit or vegetable. For this example, the student chose an apple and then qualified for the meal price. To qualify for free and reduced meals, a meal must be purchased with at least 3 of the components, with one of those being a fruit or vegetable. All a la carte items, such as bottled water, chips, cookies and a second entrée, are not covered under the free & reduced meal program and must be paid for by the parent or student. 

We do offer a la carte items in many of our schools. These items adhere to the Smart Snacks legislation that went into effect in 2014. This regulation sets guidelines for sodium, sugar, saturated fat, and serving sizes to make sure they are appropriate for school-age children and teens. For a list of items, please contact the food and nutrition office. 

Parents, we're in this together!
Please talk to your child about nutrition and encourage them to select and eat a variety of foods each day. Healthy habits are learned and last a lifetime. Please contact the Food Service office with questions or concerns 586-797-1180.

Thank you for your business.

For information, please feel free to e-mail us at foodservice@uticak12.org.

Other resources available:

https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/child-nutrition-programs