The USDA has recently issued new school meal requirements that will be effective for the 2012-2013 school year. This means School District of Clayton students will see some changes next school year in the foods served at school.
Chartwells School Dining Services manages the food service department at School District of Clayton and has made strides in incorporating several positive initiatives that will allow for a smooth transition to the new meal requirements. We have been proactive in our menu planning at Clayton and are pleased that our students choosing to eat with us daily. Our lunch meal participation is up 12 percent this year over last and our breakfast participation is up 3 percent.
We would like to provide an overview of what your student can expect to see in their school dining center at the School District of Clayton.
Increase In Fruits and Vegetables
We will continue to offer a larger variety of nutrient-dense vegetables, including dark green, orange, starchy vegetables and legumes. Students will now be required to take 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetable for their meal to be considered a full meal. Colorful fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals important for growth and development during childhood.
Allowable Grains and Proteins
Menus will offer specific amounts of whole grains and proteins. This is intended to make sure students are receiving age-appropriate, nutritionally-adequate meals that provide the right amount of energy from healthful food sources. We already offer a variety of whole grains on menus with items like whole grain pizza crust, rolls, muffins, pancakes, waffles and cereal.
Lower Sodium
We will continue working with food manufacturers to lower sodium in products. Chartwells chefs and registered dietitians have worked to modify and develop creative new recipes using non-salt seasonings,herbs and tasty fresh foods.
Reduced Fats
Unhealthy fats such as saturated and trans fat can lead to heart disease and high cholesterol, as well as other chronic diseases. We will only use food products and ingredients that contain zero grams of trans fat per serving.
Menus by Age Groups
New grade groups for menu planning will be aimed at ensuring students receive age-appropriate portions and nutrients. New calorie requirements will be implemented to align with these newly established grade groups.
Meal Prices for 2012-2013
These new school meal requirements incorporate many changes which will directly impact our school meal budget. We have seen a dramatic rise in food prices and will continue to do so over the next several years due to increasing transportation costs and the continued rollout of the new meal legislative requirements. Meal prices are determined by School District of Clayton leadership. We will not have a price increase this year because we have been proactive in our menu planning.
2012 - 2013 School Year Full Meal Prices – No Price Increase This Year
Both Chartwells and the School District of Clayton are dedicated to providing quality nutritious meals that students will enjoy and choose to eat. We hope you will encourage your students to try new fruits and vegetables and you will join us for a meal at school to see the changes for yourself. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at (314) 854-6640 or via email at bridgetjordan@claytonschools.net.
