FAQ’s:  Facts, Parent Concerns

• What are Government Commodities?

Schools may choose to receive USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Commodities. The procedure to order Govt. Commodities by the school food service manager is:  Based on the school enrollment, and lunch participation, the food service manager estimates and submits a list of commodities needed for the school year. Commodities are not free. The processing, storage, and delivery charge has to be paid by the school.  Their availability is determined by farm surpluses. Commodity items include beef, chicken, turkey, pork, cheese eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Food processors must meet exact USDA Specifications in processing commodities.

• What are competitive foods?

Competitive foods are defined as foods sold in competition with school lunches or foods brought into the school during lunch periods. No competitive foods are allowed in SPE beginning1 hour before lunches are served and ending 1 hour after all lunches are served. This does not restrict what a child brings in a sack lunch.  

• Where do the Lunch Program guidelines originate that school administrators must follow?

These guidelines originate at the Federal Level: United States Department of Agriculture and the State Level: Nebraska Department of Education.

• Who plans the school menus?

The School Food Service Manager and School Principal are responsible for planning the menus. Menus are generally planned to reflect the preference of the school community.

• What are the nutritional requirements of school lunches? 

Current regulations require schools to meet dietary guidelines that recommend no more then 30% calories come from fat and less than 10% from saturated fats.  According to USDA Regulations a standard lunch is to provide 1/3 of the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for calories, protein, vitamin A, C, Iron, and Calcium.

• School lunches always seem to contain an abundance of starch?

Carbohydrates (starch) and fats are major sources of energy in the American diet.  Nutritionists recommend that Americans increase their intake of complex carbohydrates and decrease their intake of fats.  Calories from complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads, cereals, fruits, and vegetables also add fiber to the diet.  St Patrick’s School limits simple carbohydrates (sugar) with fresh fruits as often as possible and a limited amount of desserts are served.  Keep in mind that the school lunch is designed for growing students.  It may provide excess calories for adults.

• What about fruits and vegetables that are not appealing to school children?

School children often do not like to eat fruits and vegetables.  This can lead to deficiencies of the major vitamins A and D.  By serving smaller portions of fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins A and D, schools are able to provide the daily requirements of vitamins A & D.  Meal pattern requirements may be reviewed in FAQ 5-What are School Lunch Meal Pattern Requirements?

8.     Is the sale of Ala Carte or Snack items necessary?

Yes!!!  Ala Carte Items are an important part of teaching students the difference between good and bad snacks.  The right Ala Carte Items also contribute to a child’s growth.  There are federal guidelines that prohibit the sale of certain Ala Carte/Snack Items in the food service area during lunch.  St Patrick’s only serves good Ala Carte Items that include: Fruit Rollups, Juice Bars, and Juices, made with real fruit juices; also ice cream, low fat cookies, baked Fritos, tortilla chips with less saturated fat, pudding, crackers, and cheese. 

9.     Do we serve Irradiated Beef?

In May 2003 the ban on serving irradiated food through school lunch programs was lifted.  The choice to serve or not to serve irradiated food was left up to the individual school districts.  I believe there has not been enough comprehensive research on health effects of consuming irradiated beef.  I will not serve irradiated beef.

10.    Should my child/children purchase a school lunch rather than bring a sack lunch from home?

A school lunch assures you that your child receives a nutritionally balanced meal.  A variety of fruits, vegetables, and entrée are served.  Two advantages for children that eat a school lunch everyday are, children learn good nutrition habits that provide a basis for better health throughout their lives and school lunches offer students exposure to healthy new foods.  USDA research show’s that the child who eats a warm school lunch will generally have better attendance, be more attentive, and have more energy to cope with school day opportunities.