Meal Information
Meal Guidelines and Nutrition Information
At Palacios ISD we strive to serve products that are wholesome and nutritious. Many products we serve are made without antibiotics, hormones, or artificial colors. We use quality brands such as Tyson, Pilgrims Pride, General Mills, Kelloggs, Land O Lakes, and many, many others. Our menus meet the nutrition standards required by the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. More information about the USDA school meal pattern and dietary specifications can be found here.
Breakfast and Lunch Meal Requirements:
At breakfast, schools must offer students all three (3) required food components in at least the minimum required amounts. The components at breakfast are: grains (with optional meats/meat alternates), fruit (or vegetable as substitute) and milk. Under OVS, a student must be offered at least four (4) food items and must select at least three (3) food items one of which must be a 1/2 cup serving of either the fruit or vegetable component.
At lunch, schools must offer students all five (5) required components in at least the minimum required amounts. The components at lunch are: meats/meat alternates, grains, fruit, vegetables and milk. Under OVS, a student must take at least three (3) components in the required serving sizes. One selection must be at least 1/2 cup from either the fruit or vegetable component. COCISD participates in the Offer vs. Serve (OVS) Program. OVS is a provision in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) that allows students to decline some of the food offered. The goals of OVS are to reduce food waste while permitting students to decline foods they do not intend to eat.