School Meals
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.
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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
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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.