Letter to Parents

Dear Parents,

You may have heard that there are new requirements for school meals. These new requirements are great news for our students. They will help Eastland Schools move forward in the work we are already doing to provide more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthier entrees in our school cafeterias.

Some of the New Requirements Include

           *Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables

           *Reducing the sodium in meals over the next 10 years

           *Setting calorie limits

           *Increasing whole grains

           *Limiting the amount of meat/meat alternatives and grains

Students are now limited on how much meat/meat alternate and grains that can be offered. This means that some of the main entrees may not be as large as they have been in the past. Remember, though, there will be more fruits and vegetables available to fill out the meal and ensure students have plenty to eat.

We’ll face some challenges to meet the new requirements while staying on budget, but our school nutrition program will work hard to make these healthy changes for our students and make each meal something our students will enjoy!

How Can You Help?

The school nutrition program needs the support of parents to succeed. Parents, you can support this effort by encouraging your child to give the healthier meals a try, joining your child for lunch and talking about the healthy options, or simply introducing your child to these healthy changes at home. You are your child’s primary role model. When they see you choose healthy foods they are more likely to choose them as well.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help.

Sincerely,

Melissa McLain

Director of Food Services

815-493-6341

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