BSS Departments

NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY FOR THE SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

To assist children in obtaining optimal physical and mental development, the Food and Nutrition Department has as its goal, to provide high quality meals and promote nutritional awareness as an integral part of the total educational experience for children.

• To optimize nutritional values, the following dietary guidelines have been established for the District’s meal programs:
  
  ·        Provide a variety of nutritious foods.
  ·        Provide adequate, but not excessive calories.
  ·        Limit intake of simple sugars, total fat, and sodium.
  ·        Limit intake of foods that contribute little other than calories.
  ·        Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  ·        Promote moderation and balance in dietary habits.

To ensure the integrity of the child nutrition program and to maximize benefits to all students, the Food and Nutrition Department shall strive to achieve the following concepts:

·        Nutrition standards will be based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Food Guide Pyramid.

·        Student preferences will be considered in menu planning.  Since foods must be eaten to provide nutrients, menu changes will be gradual to ensure acceptance.

·        Meals will contain adequate calories and a variety of foods to support growth, development and healthy weight.

·        The nutritional value of school meals will be evaluated over a period of days, rather than by a single meal or food item.

·        Foods will be prepared in ways that ensure a balance between optimal nutrition and student acceptance.

·        Pleasant eating environments will be provided.  This includes adequate time and space to eat school meals, positive supervision and role modeling at meal times.

·        The Department will attempt to include nutrition education as a part of the curriculum.    The school cafeteria will serve as a laboratory for applying knowledge and skills taught in the classroom.

·        Professional development will be provided for school food service personnel and other school community members to build teams of competent, caring individuals with common goals.