School lunches must 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. Regulations also establish a standard for school lunches to provide one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and calories. School lunches must meet federal nutrition requirements, but decisions about the specific foods to serve and how they are prepared are made by the district.

Qualifying for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
Any child enrolled in a participating school may purchase a meal through the National School Lunch Program. Children from families with incomes at or below 130 percent of the poverty level are eligible for free meals. Those with incomes between 130 percent and 185 percent of the poverty level are eligible for reduced-price meals, for which students can be charged no more than 40 cents for lunch. Children from families with incomes over 185 percent of poverty pay full price, though their meals are still subsidized to some extent. Districts set their own prices for full-price (paid) meals but must operate their meal services as nonprofit programs.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT "In accordance with Federal law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution does not discriminate 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) 795-03272 or (202) 720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Decisions and actions, at all levels, focus on and support effective student learning.