Policy Memo (66.52 KB)
| DATE: | October 29, 2001 |
| SUBJECT: | Clarification of Traditional and Enhanced Food-Based Meal Pattern in the School Breakfast Program |
| TO: | Regional Directors Special Nutrition Programs All Regions |
This memorandum clarifies the term "equivalent combination" found in the traditional and enhanced food based meal pattern charts at §§ 220.8(g)(2) and 220.8(g)(3) of the School Breakfast Program regulations. The charts entitled “Traditional Food-Based Menu Planning Approaches - Meal Pattern for Breakfast” and “Enhanced Food-Based Menu Planning Approaches - Meal Pattern for Breakfast”, respectively, include a statement in the “Food Components and Food Items” column, above “Grains/Breads” which reads: “Select one serving from each of the following components, two from one component, or an equivalent combination.” This option is designed to provide menu planners with additional flexibility.
The term “equivalent combination” refers to combining the grains/breads, combining the meat/meat alternates, or combining the grains/breads and meat/meat alternates to meet the meal requirement. The minimum serving size allowed is 0.25 oz meat (or meat alternate) or ¼ serving grains/bread. For example, instead of serving one serving of grains/breads and one serving of meat/meat alternates, a school could offer 1½ serving of grains/breads and ½ serving of meat/meat alternates.
STANLEY C. GARNETT
Director
Child Nutrition Division