National School Lunch Program

  • Students can refuel during the school day with a FREE lunch that includes food options from five food groups: 

    • Fruit
    • Vegetable
    • Whole Grain
    • Protein
    • Milk

    At lunch, students may select food from three, four, or all five of the food groups to complete their meal. At least one of these choices must be from the fruit or vegetable group. Students may choose milk but it is not required.

    Lunch Food Groups & Examples of Items

    Proteins

    Whole Grains

    Vegetables

    Fruit

    Milk

    Beef

    Chicken

    Pork

    Yogurt

    Cheese

    Peanut Butter

    Bread Varieties (sliced bread, buns, muffins)

    Pasta

    Rice

    Breading  

    Fresh

    Frozen

    Canned


    Subgroup Requirements

    Dark Green

    Red/Orange

    Legumes

    Starch

    Other

    Fresh

    Cupped (in natural juices)

    Dried 

    Juice (100% fruit)

    Low-fat & Fat-free Unflavored

    Fat-free Chocolate

    Lactose Free Unflavored