Portland, Me. school lunches in September must meet minimum USDA nutrition standards and the school lunch menu must be tailored so that students and staff have a choice of different fruits, vegetables, whole grains, juices and milks every day of the week, while food and beverages must meet minimum requirements for total fat, trans fat, saturated fat, calories, sodium and sugar, according to The Forecaster in Falmouth, Me. The district is participating in the HealthierUS School Challenge launched by First Lady Michelle Obama. For the full story, click here.
Editor’s Insight: One of the most important changes the Portland schools is making is extending the nutrition rules beyond the cafeteria to include all areas of the school. School foodservice directors concerned about nutrition have long stated they need to have control over more than just the cafeteria to change kids’ habits.
The Portland district is also working to become the first in the state to receive the gold standard in the HealthierUS School Challenge recognizes schools that create healthier environments through promotion of nutrition and physical activity. 05-15-12 By Elliot Maras
