Why are changes coming to our school lunches? MESSAGES

How will a Reimbursable Lunch be different? MESSAGES

1. Be POSITIVE. 2. Keep it SIMPLE. 3. Tell them what’s in it for THEM. MESSAGES

SCHOOL BOARD One more step to achieve the student health goals we are all working toward Lunches that help children be fit, healthy, and ready to learn Help Mississippi schools continue to win national recognition MESSAGES

ADMINISTRATORS New meal patterns will help children be healthy and ready to learn in the classroom Compliance with the new patterns is necessary to receive reimbursement and to operate a fiscally sound program MESSAGES

STUDENTS Our new school lunch offers the delicious nutrition you need to look and feel great – and to do well in school and sports Our Child Nutrition program will be serving you even more delicious fruits, vegetables, and whole grains than before MESSAGES

FAMILIES Changes in school lunch continue our commitment to the best possible nutrition and food safety standards for school meals We serve high quality school meals that help all children be fit, healthy, and ready to learn MESSAGES

COMMUNITY Changes in school lunch continue our recent improvements to support students’ performance in the classroom, as well as sports and other activities. New school lunch meals are planned for optimal health and safety, as well as to be appealing to children MESSAGES

Why are changes coming to our school lunches? MESSAGES

The new meal patterns continue the improvements we have been making.

Like the MyPlate icon for families, these changes are based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. They are designed to help children maintain a healthy weight and enjoy good health now and in the future. They also help children get enough of keys nutrients, like calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and fiber. Use 2-3 points to support the main message. USDA has developed new meal patterns for the health of all children.

Mississippi schools have already made numerous healthful changes to school meals in the past 5 years. We have increased fruits and vegetables in lunch programs and our Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. We have increased whole grains and decreased sodium, while making sure that our food tastes great. Use 2-3 points to support the main message. The new meal patterns continue ongoing improvements in schools.

How will a Reimbursable Lunch be different? MESSAGES

Our lunch may look a little different starting in the school year.

The goal over the next few years is to have all school lunch trays meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Students will receive lunches with a balance of calories and food components that is right for their age group. Students will be served more whole grains and will have a choice between fat-free and low-fat milk. Use 2-3 points to support the main message. Our lunch may look a little different starting in the school year.

School lunch will have more fruits and vegetables, with these two groups making up half the food on a tray. Every student who eats a reimbursable lunch will be required to take at least ½ cup of a fruit or vegetable. We will be offering a greater variety of vegetables, like more dark green and red items, than ever before. Use 2-3 points to support the main message. Our lunch may look a little different starting in the school year.

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