More Changes to School Lunches | Video

Amy Fox | 12/10/2012

This fall, Minot Public Schools, along with the National School Lunch Program, introduced healthier food options at schools. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has agreed to modify the program. So, what kind of changes are we talking about?

"They`re offering only a certain amount of, you know, breads or sweets or something. There`s more of a limit on that," explains Washington Elementary School cook/server Lori Kuntz.

Under the new federal school meals program, schools across the country are required to limit the amount of calories, proteins and grains kids can have.
Right now, students are required to have a main dish and a side of fruits and vegetables. But with the new changes, that could mean more grains for students.

Minot Public Schools Food Service Director Ivy Thorson said, "They`ve authorized for the rest of this school year that we can disregard the grain and protein maximums that were set in place."

Kids at elementary schools can only have nine ounces of grain and ten ounces of protein each week. With new changes on the way, that`s subject to change.

"With them lifting that, we can do a sandwich every day. Where before, we couldn`t do it,” said Thorson.

Before the kids go back through the lunch line for seconds, there`s one catch: the extra protein and grains must fit into the daily calorie count.

Thorson said, "I`m working on getting or plugging it into our nutrient analysis. So, I will know each day if we can or can`t do it."

While there`s no word when the new program requirements will go into effect, Washington Elementary will continue to work with vendors to come up with new food options.

"I mean, they`re trying stuff they haven`t tried before, you know, with our fresh fruits and so, I think that is pretty cool," said Kuntz.

Minot Public Schools look forward to making more changes to school lunches one serving at a time.

Kids at middle schools can have between 600-700 calories each day while high schools can serve 750-850 calories.

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