Menu and Meal Prices

 

A 2011 study, conducted by the National Centers for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and published in the Journal of Economics, showed that participation in the National School Lunch Program reduces poor general health by 29 percent,  obesity by at least 17 percent and not getting enough food to sustain an active, healthy life by 3.8 percent.

According to research published in 2010 by the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, just 1.1 percent of children's packed lunches meet nutritional standards for school meals. USDA research indicates that children who participate in the National School Lunch Program get better nutrition compared to those who do not participate.

For children, the National School Lunch Program provides a nutritious meal containing one-third of the recommended dietary allowance of necessary nutrients. For parents, the program offers a convenient method of providing a nutritionally balanced lunch at the lowest possible price. For schools, the program enhances children's learning abilities by contributing to their physical and mental well-being. Studies have shown that children whose nutritional needs are met have fewer attendance and discipline problems and are more attentive in class.

School meals are healthy meals that are required to meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. To receive federal reimbursements, school meal programs must offer “reimbursable” meals that meet strict federal nutrition standards. These standards, also referred to as “the meal pattern,” require schools to offer students the right balance of fruits, vegetables, low-fat or fat-free milk, whole grains and lean protein with every meal.

Garden bars featuring fresh vegetable choices to build garden salads and top entrees are at every school and are included with every lunch meal.  We encourage all our students to build a rainbow and have a fresh vegetable with each lunch. The local harvest of the week is always featured on our garden bar and served roasted on the serving line as a vegetable side selection.

 

View and download: Cincinnati Public Schools Local Wellness Policy Assessment

 

The Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) is a coordinated local-national initiative that harnesses the power of procurement to create a transparent and equitable food system. The system is built on five values: local economies, nutrition, a valued workforce, environmental sustainability and animal welfare.

GFFP, in conjunction with our Clean Label Initiative, helps our district ensure students can access healthy food during the school day.  Improving healthy food access can contribute toward reducing their long-term risk of diabetes, heart diseases, and other conditions that disproportionately impact low-income communities and people of color.

Student Dining Services proudly partners with local growers and Ohio Proud Manufactures. We source 90 percent of our milk and 30 percent of our produce from local farmers. We are Ohio Proud!

 

 

In February 2020, CPS started a multi-year partnership with Life Time Foundation to support our Clean Label Initiative, ensuring all of our students receive nutritious meals to support academic excellence in a positive environment. Life Time Foundation's mission is to get all kids started on their healthy journey. Our partnership centers around the elimination of Unwanted Ingredients and the reduction of Watch Ingredients based off of a science-based Ingredient Guide for Better School Food Purchasing.