National School Lunch Program
Altoona-Midway USD 387 participates in the National School Lunch Program and receives reimbursement from United States Department of Education (USDA) for each meal served to eligible students. In return, we must serve lunches that meet federal requirements, and offer reduced price and free lunches to eligible students. To meet USDA nutrition requirements, we choose the menus and food preparation methods used. Regulations establish a standard for school lunches to provide one-third (1/3) of the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and calories. Regulations also require schools to meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend that no more than 30 percent of an individual’s calories come from fat, and less than 10 percent from saturated fat. Altoona Midway school food service takes pride in the well prepared entrees, fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and milk served to students each day at lunch. Any student enrolled in USD 387 and in the building at the time of lunch service, may purchase a meal through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Students from households with incomes at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for free lunches. Those between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced price lunches, for which students can be charged no more than 40 cents. Students from households with incomes over 185 percent of the poverty level pay full price, though their lunches are still subsidized with federal and state funds. Local sponsors set their own prices for full price lunches.
School Breakfast Program
Altoona-Midway schools also participates in the USDA funded School Breakfast Program. At breakfast, students are offered nutritious foods that help students start off their day so that they can succeed in the classroom. The same Income Eligibility Guidelines apply for the School Breakfast Program as were described in the previous section for the National School Lunch Program—full price, free and reduced price breakfast are served. Teachers have reported students are more alert and perform better in class if they eat breakfast. Studies support that conclusion. Recognizing the importance of a nutritious breakfast, Altoona-Midway has actively promoted the School Breakfast Program, and at the same time has made a commitment to improve the nutritional quality of all school meals. Regulations require that all school breakfasts meet the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. In addition, breakfasts must provide one-fourth (1/4) of the daily recommended levels for protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin C and calories. Altoona Midway breakfast menus are planned to include a variety of breakfast entrees, breads or cereals, fruit or fruit juice, milk.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program
The Altoona-Midway Elementary School received a grant to participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. It provides all children in participating schools with a variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables. We serve these in the afternoon. It is an effective and creative way of introducing fresh fruits and vegetables as healthy snack options. This program is seen as an important catalyst for change in efforts to combat childhood obesity by helping children learn more healthful eating habits. The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program introduces school children to a variety of produce they otherwise might not have had the opportunity to sample.
Extra Milk
All students at Altoona-Midway schools may purchase extra milk with their breakfast or lunch. The elementary students may also purchase extra milk in the afternoon if their parents would like them to have it.
Nondiscrimination Policy
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
