(X) Policy Memo
November 10, 2008
TO: Sponsors of the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program
RE: Fluid Milk and Other Food Components/Menu Items in Reimbursable Lunches
The Oregon Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs received guidance from USDA concerning fluid milk, and how it is offered in reimbursable lunches.
Under all menu planning approaches, fluid milk is a separate food component/menu item. Milk may not be presented as one choice in a beverage category.
Examples:
- Milk may not be offered in competition with juice.
- Milk may not be combined as one choice in a list of other food items or side dishes. A menu that states choose one: 1% chocolate milk, 1.5% white milk, carrot sticks, or apple is not acceptable.
The Offer versus Serve provisions under any menu planning approach allow a student to decline fluid milk. If the student declines milk, the declined milk cannot be replaced with any other food item.
Each of the food components/menu items plays a unique nutritional role in the menu planning approaches. Permitting a student to exchange one food component/menu item for another does not support the nutritional mission of the National School Lunch Program and also undermines the educational value of the school dining experience.
If you have any questions, please contact your assigned Child Nutrition Specialist.
Sincerely,
Heidi Dupuis
Manager, School Nutrition
Child Nutrition Programs
Office of Finance & Administration