Building a Balanced Lunch at School

Students can practice building a balanced meal every day in both of our cafeterias. Here are a few practical examples using choices already available on our menus:

• Pair the daily hot entrée with a vegetable, fruit, and milk or dairy alternative.
• Add fruit or a colorful vegetable to an entrée sandwich or chicken tender basket.
• Choose an entrée salad and complete the meal with fruit, milk, or another side.
• When selecting pizza or a baked potato, look for an additional fruit, vegetable, or protein to create a more complete meal.

These are small, manageable choices that can make a meaningful difference. We are not asking students to label foods as “good” or “bad.” Instead, we want them to understand how different foods work together to provide the energy and nutrients their bodies need.