Child Nutrition
WHY ARE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH SERVED AT SCHOOL?
Every child needs nourishment during the day. Many students would not receive a meal, or a nutritionally adequate meal, if these services were not provided. Research has shown that hungry children experience difficulty learning. A child with an empty stomach is lethargic, irritable and is not able to participate fully in learning experiences. School breakfast has been shown to increase test scores, improve classroom behavior, as well as reduce tardies, absences and trips to the Nurses' Office. Good nutrition is critical to student achievement.
WHAT IS A SCHOOL MEAL?
A school lunch is designed to provide one third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) based on the student's age. A school breakfast provides one fourth of the RDA. Minimum quantities for each age group must be served, but larger amounts can be offered based on student needs. The meal pattern for each follows:
School Breakfast
Every child needs nourishment during the day. Many students would not receive a meal, or a nutritionally adequate meal, if these services were not provided. Research has shown that hungry children experience difficulty learning. A child with an empty stomach is lethargic, irritable and is not able to participate fully in learning experiences. School breakfast has been shown to increase test scores, improve classroom behavior, as well as reduce tardies, absences and trips to the Nurses' Office. Good nutrition is critical to student achievement.
WHAT IS A SCHOOL MEAL?
A school lunch is designed to provide one third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) based on the student's age. A school breakfast provides one fourth of the RDA. Minimum quantities for each age group must be served, but larger amounts can be offered based on student needs. The meal pattern for each follows:
School Breakfast
1/2 pint of milk
1/2 cup fruit or 100% juice
1/2 cup fruit or 100% juice
AND
1 serving of a grain/bread and a meat/meat alternateOR
2 servings of a grain/breadOR
2 servings of a meat/meat alternateSchool Lunch for Grades K - 12
2 ounces meat or meat alternate
cup of vegetables and/or fruit (2 sources)
8 servings per week of bread or grain
1/2 pint of milk
8 servings per week of bread or grain
1/2 pint of milk
Jenks Public School