School Meal Patterns FY2024

The School Breakfast Program and the National School Lunch Program meal patterns require daily and weekly amounts of five food components for lunch (milk, fruits, vegetables, grains, and meat/meat alternates) and three food components for breakfast (milk, fruits, and grains). In addition to the required food components, the average weekly nutrition content of all lunches for each grade group, and separately for all breakfasts for each grade group, must meet the USDA’s required amounts. 
The lunch and breakfast meal patterns are based on a five-day week. When a school week operates on a shorter or longer cycle, the school food authority must use the short or longer week meal patterns. The components/food items categories do not change; however, the portion sizes will. This training will cover the school meal patterns and what USDA requires to receive federal reimbursement.