Nutritional Guidelines - Meals will bebalanced and meet USDA National School Lunch Program Policies and New Jersey School Nutrition Policy. Menus will be developed based on the five traditional meal components consisting of: 2 ounces lean meat or meat alternate daily; ¾ cup of 2 fruits or vegetables daily; 8 servings of pasta, whole grain bread or grain product per week; ½ pint of fluid (unflavored reduced fat, low-fat and non-fat milk).

The meals will meet 1/3 of the daily recommended allowances of calories, roughly 500 calories to PK-2nd grade and 670 calories 3rd – 8th grade); fat (25-35% of calories from fat – no trans-fat); and other key nutrients. To meet these guidelines, the meals will be low in fat and sodium and high in Vitamin A, C, and iron – appropriate amounts of calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and Vitamin E.

Healthier versions of kid-friendly food will be used, such as nitrate free hot dogs, 93% lean beef, minimally processed, all natural products vs. unnatural, organic when possible for all foods. Any individual dessert/snack food will have less than 8 grams of fat per serving. Chips and fries will be baked and not deep fat fried. No food and beverage items listing sugar, in any form, as the first ingredient may be served.

All menu items must be “nut-free” and prepared in a facility that does not use nuts.