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DCPS Nutritional Standards

Did you know? School meals provide students access to a variety of fruits and vegetables!

To support student health, wellness, and academic achievement, DCPS Food and Nutrition Services proudly holds some of the highest nutrition standards of any school district in the country. We are committed to serving food that tastes good without high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, artificial colors, or preservatives. DCPS follows federal nutrition regulations established by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 as well as local nutrition regulations established by the DC Healthy Schools Act and Amendment. Our food service providers Sodexo Magic, DC Central Kitchen, and DCPS Self-operated, uphold these nutrition standards in their menus every day.  

Build a DCPS School Breakfast!  

Students must select at least three of the four offered food components at breakfast, including at least ½ cup of fruit and/or vegetable.  

Choose 3 or 4! 1 Being a Fruit or Vegetable. School breakfast meal components include 1 cup of fruit, 1 oz whole grain, 1 oz milk, and or 1 oz meat/meat alternate.

Check out these very useful and informative school breakfast program resources.  There is something for everyone: parents, students, and instructors!  Learn more about the benefits of school breakfast here. 

Build a DCPS School Lunch!  

Students must select at least three of the five offered food components, including at least ½ cup of fruit and/or vegetable.  

Choose 3,4, or 5! 1 being a fruit or vegetable. Students must select at least three of the five offered food components, including at least 1/2 cup of fruit and/or vegetable.

 

Did you know?  

  • Our menus emphasize lean animal protein, plant-based proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, with limits on sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, and calories. 

  • At least half of the grains offered must be whole grain-rich.  

  • There are weekly requirements for the following vegetable subgroups: dark green, red/orange, legumes, starch, and other.  

  • Seafood is offered at least twice per month. 

  • DCPS FNS does not serve peanuts, tree nuts, pork products (without consent from FNS), or deep-fried foods. 

Check out these very informative school lunch program resources. Learn more about the benefits of school meals here!  

Local Foods in School Meals 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What's local?

Locally-grown produce is grown in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia.  

  • On average, 20% of all food ingredients and products used in making school meals must be either locally-grown and/or locally-processed.   

  • Locally-grown produce is grown in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia.   

  • In school year (SY) 19-20, we procured over half a million pounds of locally grown produce from 41 local farms! 

  • All local menu offerings are easily identifiable on the menu. 

 

 

Nutrition Standards Q & A 

1. Are soft drinks and candy available to students during the school day?   

No, all beverages and snack foods provided by or sold in DCPS, including those served outside of the school meals program (i.e. “competitive” foods and beverages), or provided by organizations partnering in our schools, whether through vending machines, a la carte lines, snack bars, school stores, or fundraisers must meet the USDA Smart Snacks in Schools and the DCPS Local Wellness Policy standards. For more information regarding USDA smart snack guidelines please reference Tools for Schools: Focusing on Smart Snacks.  

2. Is water available to students throughout the school day?   

Cold, filtered water is made available to students through drinking fountains or other means when meals are served. In the absence of a drinking fountain in the cafeteria, DCPS ensures that students have a water dispenser and cups in an easily accessible area.  Students are encouraged to bring refillable water bottles to school. 

3. Are there vegetarian/vegan options available to students?  

Vegetarian breakfast and lunch options are available daily. There are frequent vegan breakfast and lunch meal offerings; however, if a student requires daily vegan meals, please submit a dietary accommodation form to ensure they are accommodated daily. 

4. What if my child has a dietary accommodation or needs a milk substitute?  

If your student requires a milk substitution related to lactose intolerance or requires a special meal related to religious/philosophical food preferences, please visit dcps.dc.gov/page/dietary-accommodations and complete the Milk Substitution & Philosophical Dietary Accommodations form.  

5. How do portion sizes vary based on the age of students?   

DC Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services follows the Portion sizes and nutrition standards established by the USDA. Review the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program meal pattern charts now!  

6. Does my school offer snack or supper options?  

DCPS Food and Nutrition Services operates several programs in schools to increase students’ access to school meals. The programs offered differ based on grade levels. To review which programs are available at your school, please visit dcps.dc.gov/page/meal-programs.  

7. How can I provide feedback on the school meal program? 

Students are provided surveys twice per year to provide feedback on their school meal experience. Parents, students, and community members can sign up for the DCPS School Food Collaborative newsletter and attend meetings to hear more about the program and provide feedback. Anyone is welcome to email us at any time at [email protected].