Nutrition Requirements
Minnetonka Nutrition Services participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Menus are planned according to NSLP requirements, with each meal consisting of two ounces of meat or meat alternate, two or more servings of different fruits and vegetables, at least one serving of grain or bread and eight ounces of milk. Serving sizes are those recommended in the USDA Food Guide Pyramid. The serving sizes are appropriate to help teach children what a serving should look like. Choices of entrees are offered at each level to try to meet the food preference of students.
Lunches must meet one-third of the calories and RDA for key nutrients (protein, iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C) based on age/grade group. They must also meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including recommendations for percentage of calories from fat (no more than 30%) and saturated fat (no more than 10%).
Offer vs. Serve
The "offer vs. serve" Federal regulation requires that students be offered (rather than served) all five food items comprising the full lunch meal. Students can choose three, four or five food items based on their preferences instead of having to take some of each food. Federal regulations require meals to be priced as a complete unit and students must pay the full price even if they did not choose the complete meal. Students are encouraged to take all of the food items offered because it provides a balanced meal for the best price.
Fruits and Vegetables
Current research results reinforce the importance of fruits and vegetables in the diet. We will continue to offer a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, both on the salad bar and with the other lunch options. This year Minnetonka Schools will continue to purchase fruits and vegetables from Bergin Fruit and Nut Company and participate in the Department of Defense Fresh Produce Program. This government program will help defray costs so we can offer more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Milk
The school lunch program is required to offer milk as one of the components of the lunch. A choice of skim, 1%, 2% and chocolate is offered. The price of a carton of milk is 40 cents. Some elementary schools participate in the Kindergarten Milk Program, whereby kindergarten students are provided with a half-pint of milk daily at no charge.
Lactose Reduced Milk
A lactose reduced milk will be provided to students at no extra charge upon the written request of the parent or guardian. Please include the name, grade and student's school. Parent requests can be submitted to Jane Bender.