This is a guide designed to help school personnel to plan Type A school lunches and to understand the relationship of Type A lunch requirements to children's dietary needs. The nutritional requirements of the Federally established Type A lunch pattern, which utilizes agricultural surplus food, are described. Procedures and amounts for planning for feeding different age groups are outlined. Suggestions are offered for making the lunches varied and appealing. Steps for planning and cycling the school lunch menus are delineated. A nutritional chart, sample menu worksheet, and a list of additional resource materials are also provided. (GC)