Guide to School meals
School meals provide the right balance of protein, dairy, grain, fruits and vegetables; along with age-appropriate portion sizes to ensure students get proper nutrition and the energy they need.
Students who eat school meals provided by the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs are more likely to be at a healthy weight.
Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
Secondary Guide to the Lunch Line
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
- Whole Grains that include breads, buns, pastas, pizza, chicken nuggets etc.
- Increased fruit and vegetable options are a nutrient dense choice that leaves you feeling satisfied and full.
- Reduced fat and sugar items provide all of the same nutrients without the unnecessary calories.
- Lower sodium is the result of fresh, prepared ingredients.
SCHOOL MEALS HELP STUDENTS DO BETTER IN SCHOOL
- Research has shown that students who eat school meals perform their best academically.
- Students who eat school breakfast have greater gains in standardized test scores and show improvements in math, reading, and vocabulary scores. 1
- Healthy eating correlates with less trips to the school nurse and less absenteeism.
- Providing nutritious school breakfast on testing days lead to improved test scores.
PARENTS AND SCHOOL NUTRITION PROFESSIONALS SHARE THE SAME GOALS
- Developing and modeling a healthy lifestyle.
PARENTS ARE ROLE MODELS. HOW TO GET INVOLVED
- Encourage healthy eating and lifestyles at home for you and your kids—actions speak louder than words.
- Review the cafeteria menu with your kids to help them plan for a balanced meal.
- Join your kids for school lunch or school breakfast.
- Review the Cedar Rapids District’s Wellness Policy.