New School Lunch Guidelines FAQs

Why did YSCD change school lunch menus?
The division's Food Service Provider, has revised school menus at every school to ensure student meals meet the new National School Lunch and Breakfast Program requirements. These new requirements are part of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA), signed into law in December 2010. A large portion of the bill focuses on school lunch and breakfast programs, marking the first update to school meals standards in 15 years.

When will these changes take effect?
Many of the key provisions that directly impact school lunch programs will be in effect at the start of the 2012-13 school year. Additional changes to the lunch program requirements, as well as several changes to the school breakfast program and other administrative changes, will go into effect starting July 1, 2013. A summary of the planned implementation timeline for all breakfast and lunch requirements can be found online.

Are the rules the same for all students?
The new regulations require that menus be based upon nutritional standards for newly developed age/grade classifications. These three classifications are defined as grades K thru 5, 6 thru 8 and 9 thru 12. The HHFKA sets meal patterns for each age/grade group which establishes minimum daily portion sizes, minimum weekly serving requirements, specific calories limits and other nutritional guidelines.

There are some standards that are common across all grades, such as:

• All students must take at least 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable each day.
• Flavored milk will only be available as fat-free or skim while unflavored or white milk will be available in skim or 1%.
• New dessert options that meet the new nutrition standards will be offered.

How do these changes impact meal prices?
The USDA expects school meals to increase between $0.17 and $0.24 per meal once the law is fully implemented. The York County School Board did approve a slight increase in meal prices beginning with the 2012-13 school year due to increase in menu expenses. In addition, students must choose at least 3 components (fruit, vegetable, grain, meat/meat alternate, milk) with one being a fruit and/or vegetable for their meal to be considered a complete meal. If a student only selects 2 components, or does not take a fruit or vegetable, each item must be charged separately at a la carte pricing, as the selections would not meet the USDA's requirement for a complete meal. For more information, visit Meal Requirements.

How will students know what they need to buy to make a "complete meal?"
Signs will be placed on every serving line to help students understand what choices will make up a complete meal. This information will ensure that students do not inadvertently take extra items that would be charged at a la carte prices. Nutrition education is another important focus of the HHFKA, so information will be available for students to see how their food choices fit into a balanced meal.

What happened to the made-to-order bars and free fruit offerings?
All schools will be monitored to ensure they are in full compliance with the HHFKA regulations. Some features on the made-to-order bars did not meet the regulations and can no longer be offered. With the increased requirements in fruit and vegetable servings, the division must now include the fruits that were previously offered free at breakfast and lunch as part of each purchased meal.

What do I need to do?
Discuss the upcoming changes with your children and encourage them to try the new menu choices. Given the opportunity to adjust, students do become accepting of new items. It is also important to communicate your thoughts and ideas to the food service management. A successful transition depends on students participating in the program and sharing likes and dislikes.