TCS Nutrition Standards for School Meals

Taliaferro County School is updating meals served in the school cafeteria. As a part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) New Meal Pattern, school meals will offer foods and portion sizes recommended by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans; and are a key component of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Most changes start this school year. Changes include:

 

- More whole grain rich-foods
- More fruits and increased varieties of vegetables
- Low-fat and fat-free milk choices
- Sodium reductions and trans-fats removed
- Age-appropriate portion sizes
 

The New Meal Pattern raises nutrition standards in schools across the nation and is expected to play a key part of improving the health and nutrition of more than 32 million students nationwide, including the 1.59 million students statewide in Georgia.

“We are working diligently to ensure that school nutrition professionals are ready to start applying these positive changes to school meals this year,” said Georgia School Nutrition Division Director, Nancy Rice. “Our state has successfully trained School Nutrition Directors for each local school district. We will also continue to provide resourceful materials so that the implementation of healthier meals will also foster a conversation about healthy food choices at school and at home.”

 

“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 Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S. W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410or call toll-free (866) 632-9992 FREE (Voice).  Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 FREEor (800) 845-6136 FREE (Spanish).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”