Menu Planning Guidance for School Meals for Grades K-12

Overview


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The Connecticut State Department of Education’s (CSDE) series of menu planning guides for school meals provide comprehensive information and guidance on planning menus to meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) meal patterns for grades K-12 in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) of the NSLP. The SSO follows the NSLP and SBP meal patterns.

These guides are based on USDA regulations and policy and Connecticut statutes and regulations and apply to school year 2024-25. The contents of these guides are subject to change as the USDA issues additional policies and guidance for the NSLP and SBP.


Note: The meal patterns for preschoolers (ages 1-4) are different from the meal patterns for grades K-12. The preschool meal patterns follow the same requirements as the CACFP and are available on the CSDE's Meal Patterns for Preschoolers in School Nutrition Programs webpage.


Menu Planning Guidance Series for School Year 2024-25

  • Meal Patterns: Guide to Meeting the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program Meal Patterns for Grades K-12 (CSDE)
  • Dietary Specifications: Guide to Meeting the Dietary Specifications for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program Meal Patterns for Grades K-12 (CSDE)
  • Crediting Foods and Beverages: Crediting Guide for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program Meal Patterns for Grades K-12 (CSDE)
  • Menu Records: Guide to Required Menu Records for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program Meal Patterns for Grades K-12 (CSDE)
  • Meal Service: Guide to Meal Service Requirements for the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program Meal Patterns for Grades K-12 (CSDE)

Guidance on Meal Modifications