ADM 3: Nutritious Meals
Overview
While the predisposition for obesity may begin before birth, the roots of obesity are often established between ages two and five. Considering that children may eat one or more meals in school, carefully planning nutritious meals and snacks is essential to promote healthy growth and development.
Requirement
Level 5:
If the school provides snacks and/or meals, fresh fruits and/or vegetables* are provided at least four times per week. Students have opportunities for food choices.
Documentation to upload: Sample menu with fresh fruits and/or vegetables circled
*Frozen fruit and vegetables with no additives are also accepted. Documentation must clearly show that children are given opportunities to make food choices.
Next Steps
- Review your sample menu to ensure all requirements are met.
- Log into the Maryland EXCELS System to upload your sample menu.
- Submit for review.
Additional Resources
- Fat, Salt and Sugar: Not All Bad This resource includes guidelines from The American Pediatrics Academy on appropriate amounts of fat, sugar, and salt for children’s diets.
- Choose MyPlate The United States Department of Agriculture developed MyPlate to remind individuals that what they eat impacts their health and that a balanced diet contributes to lifelong healthy habits. Visit this link for tips, strategies, and ideas for encouraging and promoting healthy habits for the children and families you serve.
- Sample Menu Plan The Maryland State Department of Education Division of Early Childhood provides nutrition and menu planning information. View this link for menu planning charts for programs serving infants and children ages 1 to 12 years old.
- Nutrition Education in Schools Nutrition education is a vital component of a comprehensive health education program. It equips children with knowledge and skills to make healthy food and beverage choices. Visit the link for more information.