By Wendy Klobe, ISD 15 Nutrition Services Program Supervisor
As part of the federal mandates in the USDA Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, the menus at St. Francis High School and other Independent School District 15 schools will get a makeover this coming fall.
Every student will have access to the new fresh lettuce greens and veggie bar with each meal purchased. The veggie bar will feature lettuce salad greens, reduced calorie ranch dressing, various fresh vegetables for toppings, such as carrots, celery, broccoli, red peppers, tomatoes and seasonable vegetable items when available.
The changes to the lunch line are due to the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act which mandates placing an emphasis on eating fruits and vegetables. The slogan, “Make half your plate fruit and vegetables,” is what the district is in line to follow. ISD 15 Nutrition Services staff are required to make sure students take ½-cup fruit or ½-cup vegetable. For the 2012-13 school year, many choices will be offered each day. The USDA is de-emphasizing breads and other starches (extra bread and sugary desserts are restricted) and proteins are limited to 2-ounce portions as well (protein can only be offered in the entrée next year). Lowfat milk (including chocolate milk) continues to be the beverage served with the meal. The USDA collected feedback regarding school nutrition programs in developing these healthy changes.
What does this mean to the hamburger line at the high school? More variety and more choices. Hamburgers had been offered every day. With the changes coming for next school year, other choices will be offered so that federal mandates can be met. New to the high school menu will be a sub sandwich line where students can place their own veggie toppings on their sandwiches.
