The federal government has prescribed nutritional requirements for school meals since the authorization of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) in 1946. Such requirements have changed throughout the course of history. Current law requires the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe "minimum nutritional requirements" based on…

The Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center (REMS) has created a list of resources on the role of school nutrition directors in school safety efforts. The list includes the following categories: (1) Food Safety, Food Defense, and Contaminated Food Annexes--Training; (2) Feeding and Food Distribution--Training;…

The number of school gardens and university farms is increasing in the United States. Produce grown in these venues is often sampled in the classroom or incorporated into the food chain. Food safety education for students and workers is needed to ensure that produce is safe. Two 1-hr food safety curricula were developed to inform K-12 students and…

Background: A US federal mandate that school districts devise and implement local wellness policies (LWPs) has potential widespread impact on the nutritional content of foods and beverages available in schools and on the amount of physical activity that students engage in; however, evidence concerning the mandate's effectiveness is limited. This…

The TV broadcast of "Jamie's school dinners" in 2005 prompted action throughout the UK to improve the standards of school meals. A public debate continues across the media around changes, resistance to them and consequences. This article draws upon the findings of a one-year ESRC-funded project on the English school dinners debate, which…

Examines the nutritional value of school lunches. (IRT)

While some school boards refuse to ban junk foods because of the loss of revenue that would result, other boards and administrators are successfully banning junk foods and finding alternatives to them. (IRT)

A Chicago newspaper revealed problems with waste, nutrition, and food quality in Type A lunches and offers some possibilities for reform. (Author/IRT)

The speaker describes the fast food operation he has implemented in his school district. The program has increased the number of lunches served, reduced costs to the students, eliminated waste, shows a surplus, and meets federal standards for Type A lunches. The program features special sandwiches, milkshakes, and fries. (IRT)

Officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have been offering schools more fresh fruits and vegetables through the commodities program. Despite problems in delivering perishable food in good condition, food directors are supporting the program. However, two new free-trade agreements and the Republican-led Congress may change the…

Definitions, advantages, and functions of nutrition are the starting point for this food service training manual, which includes lessons on proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and water- and fat-soluble vitamins. Energy foods for child nutrition programs are also identified, as are balanced diets and meal pattern guidelines. Class activities,…

This menu planning guide for school lunches and breakfasts contains: (1) lunch requirements, recommendations, and policies; (2) the basics of menu planning; (3) how to vary portions for various age/grade groups; (4) planning breakfasts; (5) merchandising school lunches and breakfasts; and (6) nutrition education and menu planning; Appendixes…

The Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada, has increased the number of school lunches served and made a profit by providing nutritious variations of fast-food menus. (MLF)

Aseptic packages and the advantages of their use in schools are outlined. (MD)

An update on the National School Lunch Program includes a list of some of the changes and innovations in types, quality, and packaging of commodity products provided to schools. (MLF)