Alternate lunch patterns in high schools. IV. Nutritive value.

The nutritive value of lunches in forty-eight high schools was assessed using alternate methods of menu planning. Using Type A, Basic 4, and free-choice patterns, the nutrient levels in lunches consumed were not significantly different from those of lunches using the Type A "offer vs. serve" pattern. For boys, lunches as consumed were significantly below the goals for calories, thiamin, and iron in all groups. For girls, lunches as consumed were significantly below the goal only for iron.