Skip To Main Content

In This Section

In This Section

Nutrition Info and Resources

Why is BASD's Food Services department so important?

Research indicates that nutritious meals fuel bodies and minds for increased attendance, educational performance, and physical and social activity.

How does BASD create breakfast and lunch menus?

School breakfast and lunch menus are designed and served according to USDA Meal Pattern Charts and the following Nutrient Analysis and Dietary Specifications.

According to the Meal Pattern Charts, schools must:

Offer the five food components:

Fruits
Vegetables
Grains
Meats/meat alternates
Fluid milk

Offer the five food components in the appropriate quantity according to grade level. These quantities are the minimum required to meet the daily and weekly requirements per grade level.

Remain within targeted ranges for other dietary specifications:

Minimum-Maximum Calories
Saturated Fat as a Percentage of Total Calories
Sodium

How does BASD determine that school menus are compliant?

PrimeroEdge Menu Planning, which is PDE-provided, is utilized to enter all menu items, including ingredients and recipes.

Detailed Menu Analysis Reports validate that the menus comply with daily and weekly requirements.

Menu Analysis Reports provide the following information for each weekly and daily menu:

Nutrient and Meal Contribution Details
- Nutrition Report
- Nutrition Summary Report
- Meal Component Report

“Flags” Nutrient and Meal Components that fall below the USDA required level

Additional Nutrition Links

USDA guide to the new food pyramid

School Nutrition Association is the national, professional school food service workers organization.

School Nutrition Association of Pennsylvania is our state professional organization. Learn what is new in school food service.

American Dietetic Association.

Information on health, development, food, and activities.

PA Nutrition Education Network

US Department of Agriculture

Cafeteria Connections Newsletters

Get to Know Nutrition Guidelines for School Meals

Nutrition Resources - At-Home Nutrition Education

Farmers Market - Digital Magazine - Learn More About Where Food is Grown

School Breakfast

Smart Snacking for Kids

Teaching Kids to Choose Smart Snacks at Home

Broadening Student Appeal

Power of Whole Grains

Truth About Sugar

Shaking the Salt Habit - Reduce Salt

Healthy Eating - Home and School Gardens

Mealtime Learning

Vegetable Subgroups - What They Are and Why They Matter