Menu Nutrition Information

Our goal is to provide nutrient-rich options that students of all ages and backgrounds will enjoy. Our meals maintain high nutrition standards which meet and exceed USDA standards for school meals , NYC Food Standards, and internal standards such as our prohibited ingredients list.

For more information about our menus, nutrition information, or programs, email us at SFWebsitesuggestion@schools.nyc.gov

Click the link below for a detailed breakdown of the nutritional information of every item offered through our schools.

Nutritional Standards

Meal components

At breakfast, schools must offer students all three required food components:

  • Fruits
  • Grains/Meat/Meat Alternate
  • Milk

At lunch, schools must offer students all five required food components:

  • Fruits
  • Grains
  • Vegetables
  • Meat or Meat Alternate
  • Milk

Standards per units

Calories

Our calorie requirements for meals align with the USDA’s weekly average nutrient requirements:

  • Grades K-8
    • Breakfast: 400-500 calories
    • Lunch: 600-650 calories
  • Grades 6-8
    • Breakfast: 400-550 calories
    • Lunch: 600-700 calories
  • Grades 9-12
    • Breakfast: 450-600 calories
    • Lunch: 750-850 calories

Sodium

All products adhere to NYC Food Standards sodium requirements. All meals meet the USDA sodium requirements. 

  • Grades K-8 
    • Breakfast: ≤600
    • Lunch: ≤1230
  • Grades 6-8
    • Breakfast: ≤600
    • Lunch: ≤1360
  • Grades 9-12
    • Breakfast: ≤640
    • Lunch: ≤1420 

Fats

Our standards for fat meet NYC and USDA Food Standards. 

  • Total Fat accounts for a maximum of 35% of total calories in a meal.
  • Saturated Fat accounts for a maximum of 10 % of total calories in a meal.
  • Trans Fat is not allowed in any meal or snack.

Sugar

Cereals may contain a maximum of 10 grams of sugar.

Yogurt may contain a maximum of 15 grams of sugar for a 4 oz. portion. 

Fiber

Grain items must contain 2 grams or more of fiber per serving.

Menu Standards 

Menu Nutritional Evaluations 

Our meals are evaluated through a USDA-certified nutritional database. We also provide an extensive nutrition evaluation taking into account calories, fat, sodium, total sugars, added sugars, protein, cholesterol, iron, calcium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. 

Meat 

Our menu is completely pork-free. All hamburgers are 100% beef. All chicken served is certified no-antibiotics-ever & humanly-raised. 

All meat products are continuously evaluated under the World Health Organization definition for processed meats. As of Fall 2022 Processed Deli Meats & Deli Meat Pre-Made Sandwiches are no longer offered on the menu.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options 

Our daily offered menu options help support students with allergy restrictions, vegetarian and vegan preferences, and religious restricted diets. Our menu indicates a (V) for vegetarian and a (VE) for vegan items and/or recipes. Mondays and Fridays are citywide meatless menu days. 

Fruit and Vegetables 

Fresh fruits and vegetables are offered daily throughout our menu and salad bars. We serve a variety of vegetables from five different subgroups, ensuring our students receive a diverse nutrient profile (dark green, red-orange, beans-legumes, starchy, and others.) 

Fiber 

All bread and grains offered are at least 51% whole grain-rich and contain at least 2g of fiber per serving. 

Sustainable and Local Food 

OFNS is continuously looking for products that sustain our food and ecosystem. We serve our food on compostable and biodegradable plates. 

Our Pride of New York initiative offers locally produced bread, fruit, yogurts, and entrees all made right here in New York State. 

Water 

Refrigerated water jets are located in cafeterias within schools.

Food Allergen Awareness 

Allergen Awareness 

We want to ensure that your child receives the best care possible at school. We take, allergies, food safety, and student health very seriously. We cannot guarantee a nut-free, milk-free, or allergen-free environment, but when we work together to create a management plan for your child, they are less likely to be exposed to allergens in school. 

Please visit our page on allergies to learn more about how we ensure that your child receives the best care possible.

Food Allergen Information 

Parents can request labels and further information about our menu items. If a request is made at the point of service by a student or para-professional/teacher/school nurse (on student’s behalf), it will be honored by OFNS staff within reason. 

  • Example: No cheese on fish sandwich or no bun with burger 

OFNS staff is not responsible for tracking or monitoring students with food sensitivities and allergies. This includes student allergies: 

  • Posted visibly (Example: pictures or medical notes. This is a violation of HIPAA.)
  • Entered in POS
  • Communicated verbally 

For severe allergies, a Medical Accommodations (504) Request Form should be completed by parent/guardian to create an action plan to accommodate dietary needs.  

Labels for Products 

Product Documentation 

All food items can be supported with product documentation from vendors and/or manufacturers regarding allergens present within the food itself or at the facility level. 

Product/nutrition labels are available upon request. 

Please provide a specific item list when requesting allergen information product documentation.