STC?HIGH?SCHOOL?(L-R) Deb Lenhart, Bernice Yuska, Sue Husak, Liz Forde and Rebecca Cline. Not present- Audrey Evans. Chronicle photos/John Speer

You have heard about the new requirements for school meals that were implemented last school year. The new requirements will help South Tama Schools build on the work we are already doing to provide more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthier entrees in our school cafeterias.

Some of the New Requirements include:

Increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables

Reducing the sodium in meals over the next 10 years

Setting calorie limits for the first time

STC?MIDDLE?SCHOOL?(Clockwise from bottom left) Naomi Chyma, Charlene Willaby, Shirlene Spinler, Madison Henriquez, Wendy Stull and Connie Blocker.

Increasing whole grains

Students will now be required to have a fruit or vegetable on their tray for it to count as a full meal. Anything less than a full meal will be charged as individual items.

We are facing some challenges to meet the new requirements on a tight budget, but our school nutrition program will work hard to make these healthy changes for our students and make each meal something our students will enjoy!

The school nutrition program needs the support of parents, staff, and community to succeed! Parents can support this effort by encouraging your child to give the healthier meals a try, joining your child for lunch and talk about the healthy options, or simply introducing your child to these healthy changes at home.

You are your child’s primary role model, when they see you choose healthy foods they are more likely to choose them as well.

STC?ELEMENTARY- (Seated, l-r) Kristi Meyers, a Mininon and Desiray Sebetka. (Standing, l-r) Laura Davis, Hela Meek, Peggy Backen, Kathy Ferneau and Judy Fuller.

Sandy Jantzen

South Tama

Food Service Director