The final rule, “Nutrition Standards in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs” was published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) on January 26, 2012. This final rule updates the meal patterns and nutrition standards for the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs to align them with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The final rule can be found at this link: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-01-26/pdf/2012-1010.pdf.
The School Food Service Departments are aware of the menu changes and should be planning the upcoming school year’s lunch and breakfast menus to comply with the new meal pattern.
Training has been provided previously by Maine Department of Education, Child Nutrition Services at three meetings and via a webinar. School Food Service staff should continue to read the weekly Thursday update from Child Nutrition Services to stay current and for additional training opportunities.
Resources and more information
- Walter Beesley
Food Service Specialist
Child Nutrition Services
207-624-6875
Walter.Beesley@maine.gov