Jillian M Joyce1, Richard R Rosenkranz2, Sara K Rosenkranz3. 1. Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health, College of Human Ecology, Kansas State University; Physical Activity and Nutrition Clinical Research Consortium, Kansas State University, Lafene Student Health Center, 1105 Sunset Avenue, Room 324, Manhattan, KS 66506. 2. Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health, College of Human Ecology, Kansas State University; Physical Activity and Nutrition Clinical Research Consortium, Kansas State University, Lafene Student Health Center, 1105 Sunset Avenue, Room 321, Manhattan, KS 66506. 3. Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health, College of Human Ecology, Kansas State University; Physical Activity and Nutrition Clinical Research Consortium, Kansas State University, Lafene Student Health Center, 1105 Sunset Avenue, Room 322, Manhattan, KS 66506.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: School lunches must meet National School Lunch Program (NSLP) requirements to receive reimbursement. In this study, we sought to determine whether there are significant differences in nutrient content and nutritional quality between 2 menus meeting NSLP requirements. METHODS: A cross-sectional content analysis compared 6 weeks of a typical school lunch menu (TM) from an actual school district to a best practice school lunch menu (BPM) created by a registered dietitian based on Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) best practices and Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) healthy meal pattern recommendations. Daily nutrient content was determined using nutrient analysis software. Nutritional quality was computed using Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2010. RESULTS: For nutrients required for analysis, the BPM was lower in calories, saturated fat, and sodium and higher in protein, carbohydrate, and fiber (ps < .01). For other nutrients of concern, the BPM was higher in vitamin A, vitamin D, phosphorus, and magnesium (ps < .01). The BPM had higher HEI scores for nutritional quality (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate the possibility for significant variation in nutritional quality of NSLP-qualifying lunches. Using CACFP best practices and DGA recommendations may significantly impact school lunch dietary quality.
BACKGROUND: School lunches must meet National School Lunch Program (NSLP) requirements to receive reimbursement. In this study, we sought to determine whether there are significant differences in nutrient content and nutritional quality between 2 menus meeting NSLP requirements. METHODS: A cross-sectional content analysis compared 6 weeks of a typical school lunch menu (TM) from an actual school district to a best practice school lunch menu (BPM) created by a registered dietitian based on Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) best practices and Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) healthy meal pattern recommendations. Daily nutrient content was determined using nutrient analysis software. Nutritional quality was computed using Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2010. RESULTS: For nutrients required for analysis, the BPM was lower in calories, saturated fat, and sodium and higher in protein, carbohydrate, and fiber (ps < .01). For other nutrients of concern, the BPM was higher in vitamin A, vitamin D, phosphorus, and magnesium (ps < .01). The BPM had higher HEI scores for nutritional quality (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate the possibility for significant variation in nutritional quality of NSLP-qualifying lunches. Using CACFP best practices and DGA recommendations may significantly impact school lunch dietary quality.
Authors: Bryan Michael Pepito; Jay Dawes; Deana Hildebrand; Jillian Joyce Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-10-03 Impact factor: 4.614