Students are required to have 1/2 cup of fruit or vegetables on their tray for it to count as a full meal.  We will offer a variety of fruits and vegetables for the students to choose from.

There will be three different calorie requirement groups:  K-5, 6-8, and 9-12.  Many of the items on our menu will be the same at all schools, but the portion size will be different for the different groups.

We are limited as to how much meat/protein (cheese, yogurt, etc.) and grains we can offer to students.  We have to stay within the specified ranges for each age group.  Main entrees may not be as large as they have been in the past, with the difference made up with more vegetables being offered to students.  This will take a little creativity to get the students to try more fruits and vegetables.

Half of all grains served must be whole grain rich.  All bread and hamburger buns served to students in the Lakewood Schools are whole grain.

We must offer dark green and orange/red vegetables each week, along with legumes weekly.  There must also be a starchy vegetable and vegetables from the 'other' category served weekly.  We are working hard on this regulation by serving fresh broccoli, carrots, romaine lettuce, black beans, garbanzo beans, and a variety of other vegetables.

School also must begin lowering the sodium level in the foods served.  Lakewood has met the first set of goals for the 2014-2015 school year. Lower sodium levels will be gradually phased in over the next three years.

Encourage your children to try new things at home and school.

Have fruits and vegetables with all meals and as healthy snacks.