Skip To Main Content

Logo Image

Logo Title

Page Heading - Federal Guidelines

Federal Guidelines

The Child Nutrition Department follows strict guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA, in order to participate in the Federal program. The guidelines encourage healthy eating habits and provide adequate nutrition for specific age groups. The recommended standards are the following:

  • Breakfast meals must contain at least a 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable and 2 other items.

  • Lunch meals must contain at least 3 food components, including a 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable.

  • Meals must meet age-appropriate calorie goals.

  • Meals must meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which include:

    • 30% or less of calories from fat
    • 10% or less of calories from saturated fat
    • Decreased sodium and cholesterol
    • Increased fiber

Civil Rights Information