Nutrient Contributions of the Five Meal Components in School Lunch: , Milk, Vegetable/Fruit, Bread/Grain, and Miscellaneous

This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the nutrient contributions of the five meal components of school lunch menus planned for elementary students in two school districts (District A and B) in the Midwestern state of the United States. The 4-week cycle menu was planned for two time periods (Period 1 and Period 2) following guidelines for NuMenus and general menu planning principles. Menu components of planned and served menus for two time periods were analyzed using $Nutri-Kids^{TM}$. No significant differences in the nutrient content of between Periods 1 and 2 were found for District A. District B served significantly more vitamin A and total fat in Period 1 and significantly more calories, iron, vitamin A, protein, and total fat in Period 2 than was planned. The major nutrients provided by the entree component included protein, calories, cholesterol, total fat, saturated fat, and sodium. Milk was an important source of calcium and provided approximately one-third of the total protein and vitamin A in the meal. The vegetable/fruit component was the major source of vitamins A and C. The grain/bread component provided approximately 20% of the carbohydrates among five meal components. The miscellaneous component affected the sodium and fat content of the menus. Menu planners can use the results of this study to enhance their knowledge of the nutrient contributions of each meal component and as inputs for planning menus that meet children's nutritional requirements.