School Menus

Menus & Nutrient Information

School Meals are planned by the Nutrition Services management team under the guidance of registered dietitians on staff. Menus meet the requirements of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs as set forth by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

On December 13, 2010 the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act was signed into law. This law aims to improve child nutrition by making changes to the National School Lunch and Breakfast program guidelines starting with the 2012-13 school year. Grade-level specific changes include:

• Minimum Targets for Servings of Grain
• Minimum Targets for Servings of Meat/Meat Alternate
• Increasing Fruit
• Increase Vegetables
• Increasing Whole Grains
• Minimum and Maximum Dietary Specifications (Calories, Saturated Fat, and Sodium)

Long Beach Unified School District uses the required food based menu planning system to plan all meals. Our menus include a healthy variety of fresh fruit, new and fresh vegetables, homemade entrees, and whole grains.

Offer versus Serve

Under the offer versus serve provision, schools must offer students a sufficient number and variety of food groups to meet established menu requirements. Although students may decline any item, at lunch they must choose a minimum of three food groups and fruit or vegetable. As parents, you are encouraged to review menus with your students, in advance, to assist them in making choices from the menu items offered in the school cafeteria.

For detailed information and to review school menus, please visit the Nutrition Services website.