Are school meals nutritious?
• School lunches provide children well-balanced, healthy meals that are required to meet science-based, federal nutrition standards. • No more than 30% of calories can come from fat, less than 10% from saturated fat • Meals must provide 1/3 of the Recommended Dietary Allowances of protein, vitamins A and C, iron and calcium • School meals are served in age-appropriate portion sizes • A recent School Nutrition Association survey found that nationwide, nearly every school district offers students fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and salads or pre-packaged salads. Most schools still bake items from scratch in their kitchens and school districts are offering vegetarian meals and locally sourced foods. • Children need protein and limited amounts of fat to support growth and development. School meal programs provide nutrient-dense foods such as low-fat dairy products, lean meats and whole grains served in age-appropriate portions. • School meals are constantly working to further imp
