National School Lunch Program

Details

Created on Thursday, 02 February 2012 12:45

Dr. Michael J. Martirano, Superintendent of Schools, 301-475-5511, ext. 178
Mr. J. Bradley Clements, Chief Operating Officer, 301-475-4256, ext. 7

LEONARDTOWN, MD – On Wednesday, January 25, 2012, First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced USDA’s new nutrition regulations for school meals. The final regulations published by USDA reflect improvements to the national school lunch program made by the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, signed into law on December 13, 2010. The new regulations require increased servings of fruits and vegetables, more whole grain‐rich foods, and only fat‐free or low‐fat milk varieties and will make sure kids are getting proper portion sizes.

St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ food and nutrition services department has already brought a variety of healthier choices to our school cafeterias that addresses goals in the new regulations. Lower-sodium products like our macaroni and cheese, frozen vegetables, and reduced sodium canned vegetables were implemented this school year. More than half of all the grain items served in school cafeterias are whole-grain and the milk we serve is already 1% or fat-free. Additional offerings of vegetables and fruits are available and fresh fruit is offered every day. The department of food and nutrition services embraces the new regulations and continues to promote and incorporate healthy foods into school menus.