Office of

Food & Nutrition Services

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Program Overview

2023

2

Agenda

Overview

• School meal program overview
• Federal meal requirements
• DOE food quality standards and options

Feedback

• We want to hear from YOU
• Feedback will be incorporated into future menus and the dining experience

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Goal

The DOE is committed to providing healthy options for our children.

3

500+

RECIPES

1800

SCHOOLS

~900,000 STUDENTS

DOE’s School Food Program: Overview

OFFICE OF FOOD & NUTRITION SERVICES MENUS ARE

WE CARE ABOUT YOUR FEEDBACK!

Breakfast Menu Features

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• Seasonal fresh fruits
• Local dairy items
• Whole grains, low-fat, high fiber, & limited sugar items
• No sugary fruit juice offered

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Lunch Menu Features

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• Meatless Monday
• Plant-Powered Fridays
• Removed processed deli meats
• Locally sourced products
• Seasonal fresh fruits & vegetables
• Multiple menu options are available daily
• Menu identification (V & VE)

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Salad Bars,

Fresh Fruit & Produce

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Fresh Salad Bars have been in over 1,000 schools across the city for several years, providing an opportunity for student’s to consume unlimited amounts of fresh vegetables and a variety of healthy and nutritious salads!

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This opportunity for self-serve salad bars enhances the student’s nutritious lunch experience and gives them a chance to try new foods. 

OFNS continues its dedication to a plant-forward menu: offering vegetarian and vegan items daily, serving local seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, reducing processed meats, and increasing our plant-based offerings. ��

Menu Nutrition Standards

• OFNS has the following standards in place
• Federal: USDA NSBP & NSLP Weekly Meal Patterns & Nutrient Standards
• Varies by Grade & Age
• Meal Components: M/MA, Grains, Vegetables, Fruit, Milk
• Nutrients of Focus
• Calories
• Sodium
• Total & Sat Fat
• NYC Food Standards focus on nutrient standards of specific items
• Example: Chicken Tenders (sodium cannot exceed 480mg, saturated fat cannot exceed 10% of total calories)
• OFNS Prohibited Ingredient List
• Example: Chicken Tenders (no soy fillers)
• OFNS Specification
• Example: Chicken Tenders (NAE, humanly raised, 51% whole grain breading )

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HALAL

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• Certified Halal sites
• Halal chicken items
• Items reviewed and identified as Halal (H)

on the menu

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Food Allergies 

• Product label request 
• A request is made at the point of service 
• A medical accommodation (504 or IEP)

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Milk Options

• Alternative milk options
• Includes Soy Milk and Lactose Free Milk. Available at all meals. 

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Chocolate milk

• School Communities and Principals make the decision to choose chocolate milk to be removed from the menu, with the condition that two other milk alternatives still must be available (1% & Fat Free).

Menu Accommodations

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Four Pillars of CEE:

• Student Choice- variety of ways to consume fruits and vegetables: whole fruits, vegetable snacks, or fresh cut produce from salad bars
• Fast Service, and More Time to Relax- no longer have to wait in line to receive a meal, but instead can take pre-packaged meals, allowing more time to relax with classmates during lunch.
• Modern Style- Newly renovated cafeterias feel more welcoming
• New Furniture- Comfortable tables and chairs welcome students to their new space.

Cafeteria Enhancement Experience

The DOE is focused on transforming middle and high school cafeterias into pleasant, welcoming spaces for students to enjoy nutritious meals. We have completed 60+ cafeterias across NYC.

Feedback and Discussion