National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program Regulations

The breakfast and lunch menus at all Western Beaver schools have been planned to meet federal and state regulations, including specifications for age groups and portion sizes.

Our menus must meet daily and weekly guidance on calories, meat/meat alternates, grains, vegetables, and fruits.

SCHOOL MEAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Students are required to have 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetables on their tray for it to count as a full meal.

    • Less than a full meal is charged at a la carte prices, which cost more than a complete meal.

    • We offer a variety of fruits and vegetables daily to give the students more to select from.

  • There are three different age groups: K-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

    • Many of our menu items are the same at each school, but portion sizes and recipes are designed to meet the needs for each age group.

  • Grains offered must be whole grain-rich, accounting for at least 80% of the grains offered on the menu each week.

  • We offer vegetables from the following subgroups each week: dark green, orange/red, legumes, starchy, and other vegetables.

  • Sodium requirements must be adhered to and will be updating for the 2023-2024 school year.

    • We are already planning meals with the 2023-2024 requirements in mind.

  • Meal Requirements:

    • For lunch: choose at least 3 of the 5 items from the following: meat/meat alternate, 1/2 cup or more of vegetables, grains, 1/2 cup or more of fruit, and 8 ounces of low fat milk.

    • For breakfast: choose 3 items, one of which must be a 1/2 cup of fruit or 100% fruit juice.

Please contact Brooke Stebick with any questions about the meal plan requirements: brooke.stebick@westernbeaver.org or 724-643-8500 x1010

Meal Patterns