YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED.
Have questions about the National School Lunch Program? You’re not alone! We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions families have.
Explore the FAQs below to find quick and helpful information to guide you through the process and ensure your child has access to nutritious meals every day.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED.
Have questions about the National School Lunch Program? You’re not alone! We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions families have.
Explore the FAQs below to find quick and helpful information to guide you through the process and ensure your child has access to nutritious meals every day.
What is the National School Lunch Program?
The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally funded initiative that provides nutritious meals to children in public and nonprofit private schools across the United States. Established in 1946, the program aims to ensure that all students have access to healthy and balanced meals, which are essential for their growth, development and academic success.
Through the NSLP, participating schools serve lunches that meet specific nutrition guidelines, including portions of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy. The program also offers free or reduced-price meals to eligible families, making it easier for all students to receive the nutrition they need, regardless of their economic circumstances. By promoting healthy eating habits and providing essential nutrition, the NSLP plays a vital role in supporting the health and well-being of children.
Are there other meals besides lunch?
Yes, in addition to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), there are other meal plans designed to support students’ nutrition throughout the day. Two key programs are:
- SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM (SBP)
This program provides nutritious breakfasts to students in participating schools. Like the NSLP, the SBP ensures that meals meet specific nutritional guidelines, offering a balanced start to the day. Breakfast options typically include a variety of fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy, helping students to fuel their learning and concentration during morning classes.
- AFTERSCHOOL SNACK PROGRAM
This program is designed to provide healthy snacks to children in afterschool programs. The Afterschool Snack Program ensures that students have access to nutritious options, helping to keep them energized and focused during afterschool activities. Snacks may include fruits, vegetables, dairy products and whole grains, contributing to their overall dietary needs.
Are government nutritional guidelines and national standards followed?
Yes, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and related meal programs strictly adhere to government nutritional guidelines and national standards. These standards are designed to ensure that meals served to students are nutritious, balanced and contribute to their overall health and development.
The meals provided under the NSLP must meet specific nutritional requirements established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These guidelines emphasize:
- FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: Students are encouraged to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, with a focus on offering both fresh and canned options that are low in sodium and added sugars.
- WHOLE GRAINS: Meals must include whole grain-rich products, promoting better health and aiding in digestion.
- LEAN PROTEINS: The program encourages the inclusion of lean protein sources, such as poultry, fish, beans, and nuts while limiting saturated fats.
- LOW-FAT DAIRY: Schools provide low-fat or fat-free dairy options to ensure students receive essential calcium and other nutrients without excess fat.
The adherence to these standards is regularly monitored through program reviews and audits to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
What are meal patterns?
Meal patterns refer to the specific guidelines that outline the types and amounts of foods that must be included in school meals to ensure they are nutritious and balanced. These patterns are designed to meet the dietary needs of children while adhering to government nutritional standards.
In the context of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP), meal patterns specify the following key components:
- FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: Schools must offer a variety of fruits and vegetables in each meal. This includes both fresh and frozen options, with a focus on providing different colors and types to encourage students to try new foods.
- GRAINS: Whole grains are emphasized in meal patterns, requiring that a certain percentage of the grains served be whole grain-rich. This promotes better health by increasing fiber intake and providing essential nutrients.
- PROTEIN: Meals must include a source of protein, which can come from lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, legumes, eggs and nuts. The meal patterns set guidelines for portion sizes to ensure children receive adequate protein without excess fat.
- DAIRY: Low-fat or fat-free dairy products are included in the meal patterns, providing essential calcium and vitamin D necessary for healthy bone development.
- CALORIC LIMITS: The meal patterns also specify caloric ranges for meals to ensure that they provide adequate energy for students based on age and grade level.
By adhering to these meal patterns, schools can ensure that the meals they serve are not only compliant with federal guidelines but also contribute to the overall health and well-being of students.
Are there studies that show school meals are nutritionally-balanced?
Yes, numerous studies indicate that school meals provided through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) are nutritionally-balanced and play a crucial role in supporting children’s health. A recent study from Tufts University found that while many Americans consume diets with poor nutritional quality, school meals are an exception. The study stated, “School meals are one of the few places where children are guaranteed access to nutritious food.”
How do I find what’s available in my child’s school district?
To discover meal options and services available in your child’s school district through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), start by using our dropdown menu to select your district. This will direct you to specific information about meal offerings, application procedures and nutritional guidelines tailored to your area.
Can my child participate in the program if they attend a private or charter school?
Yes, children attending private or charter schools can participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), provided the school is participating in the program. Many private and charter schools choose to offer the NSLP to ensure their students have access to nutritious meals during the school day.