Sweeping Changes to the School Lunch Program: The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act Requirements

The New Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act Requirements Pomptonian has always and continues to pride itself on promoting nutritious and wholesome meals in the schools we have the privilege of serving. Beginning this September, the USDA’s new regulations will take effect, changing what may be offered within the Federal lunch and breakfast programs.

To summarize, some of the most dramatic changes being implemented will be smaller entrées, including smaller bread and smaller protein portions; the elimination of 1% flavored milk, to be replaced by flavored fat-free milk; and, for many districts, mandated price increases.

These new regulations are part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, signed by President Obama in December 2010, with the new guidelines having been recently announced. The districts served by Pomptonian have enjoyed a wide variety of offerings and increased participation has followed an increased variety. As always, we will work to make the program as appealing as possible within these new parameters.

Students at the high school and middle school will be able to make additional purchases to augment their meals. Students that are eligible for the free or reduced price programs can also make additional purchases, but they will not be included as part of the subsidized meal program.

For your convenience, Pomptonian has made the regulations for the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, along with a detailed summary of these new regulations, available on our website at www.Pomptonian.com/Press & Awards. We will also be developing an information campaign for the students we serve to help them understand these new regulations and the impact they will have on the selections available in the cafeteria.

As always, we will strive to offer a nutritious and appealing variety. We truly appreciate you allowing your child to participate in your school’s Nutrition program.

Midland Park Public Schools

PARENT RESOURCES

Power School

Mental Health Supports and Resources

District Calendar

Parent & Student Handbooks

Food Services