Department of Child Nutrition

Today's kids are much more sophisticated than we were at their age, even in terms of the food they like.

With school nutrition programs, if they don't like what they see, they won't eat it. However, don't think for a minute that school nutrition programs have sacrificed nutrition for taste just to keep kids interested! Oxford Schools participate in the National School Lunch Programs and are required to plan menus that meet at least one-third of a child's Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). School nutrition managers know that growing children need more calories than adults. They plan meals high in complex carbohydrates to be sure they keep calories high, while cutting fat and sugar. Remember this the next time you are concerned about the calories in your child's school lunch.

Today's school cafeterias provide much more variety and nutrition than lunch rooms of old. If you have not visited your child's cafeteria, you are welcome to come and eat lunch with your child.

Educators know it's true: Poorly nourished children have poor attendance, short attention spans and lack of energy. In short, children suffering from poor nutrition have difficulty learning.

By providing good tasting, nutritious meals in pleasant surroundings, while teaching good nutrition, your child's school nutrition program is an essential part of the education system. You can play an active role in your child's school nutrition program.