Nutrition Requirements for School Meals

As of July 1, 1996, all schools that participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs are required by federal law to comply with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA).

Over a week's time, school lunch must provide one third of a student's RDA for protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C. Breakfast must provide 25% of these nutrients. In addition, the week's meals are to include no more than 30% of calories from fat. Sodium and fiber are also monitored.