West Virginia Code of State Rules
Agency 126 - Education
Title 126 - PROCEDURAL RULE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Series 126-085 - POLICIES OF OPERATION MANUAL - CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAMS (4320)
Section 126-85-20 - Meal Requirements and Recommendations

Universal Citation: 126 WV Code of State Rules 126-85-20

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 38, September 20, 2024

20.1. The USDA lunch requirements are designed to provide a simple and easy-to-follow framework for planning nutritious and well-balanced lunches. They provide for broad food choices that can include local food preferences, cultural, ethnic and religious food practices.

20.2. The USDA meal requirements are specific to the kinds and amounts of food for each of the four food components. However, a minimum of five food items must be served, as shown below:

20.2.1. Components:
a. Meat/Meat Alternate

b. Vegetable/Fruit

c. Grains/Breads

d. Milk

20.2.2. Food Items:
a. Meat/Meat Alternate

b. Vegetable/Fruit

c. Vegetable/Fruit

d. Grains/Breads

e. Milk

20.3. Other foods may be added as needed to complete the lunch and will provide additional food energy (calories) and other nutrients. These foods are served in addition to foods that meet the component requirements of a reimbursable lunch. They do not contribute to the USDA meal pattern requirements.

20.4. Additional menu items should always contain less than 40 percent sugar (in crystalline form or in solution as syrup, both monosaccharides and disaccharides) and/or other sweetening agents.

20.5. Schools are encouraged to serve school-baked items from recipes using limited amounts of sugar. It is the responsibility of the SFA or school to obtain sugar content statements that indicate percentage of total sweetening agents in questionable food and beverage items.

20.6. In addition to the USDA requirements and recommendations, the VWBE has adopted school meal standards that implement the concepts of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Policy 4321.1, Standards for School Nutrition specifies nutrient and food standards. SFAs must select and plan menus according to either Option A (nutrient analysis) or Option B (modified meal pattern) or an approved USDA meal pattern.

20.7. The policy also addresses the nutrient needs of the pregnant and lactating student by requiring additional foods be provided to said students so that breakfast and lunch together or in combination with a snack, provide:

20.7.1. a total of 5 oz. of protein foods, 1 oz. of which shall be 1 oz. cheese, 1 cup yogurt or 8 oz. fluid milk;

20.7.2. 3 servings from the grain group, preferably from whole grains;

20.7.3. 1-1/4 cups from the fruit and vegetable group;

20.7.4. 16 oz. from milk group; and

20.7.5. in these additional foods, the following option shall be allowed, 1 cup of fruit in place of one serving of the grain group once a week.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. West Virginia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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