Nutrition Guidance Manual - WI Child Nutrition Programs (FNS)

IntroductionThe Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) was established to make surethat low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals when schoolis not in session. Free meals that meet Federal nutrition guidelines,including meal pattern requirements, are provided to all children 18 yearsold and under at approved SFSP sites in areas with significantconcentrations of low-income children. The SFSP meal patterns ensurethat children receive well-balanced meals, and establish the minimumportions of each meal component that must be served to each child in orderfor the participating sponsor to receive reimbursement.Summer Food Service Program for Children: 2015 Nutrition Guidance forSponsors was developed to help sponsors plan and serve menus with avariety of foods and beverages rich in nutrients, identify their food serviceresponsibilities, operate a safe and successful food service at summer sites.This guide offers menu planning and nutrition guidance along with samplebreakfast, lunch, and snack menus. Also included are food service recordkeepingrequirements, food buying and storage information, and guidancein the areas of food safety and sanitation. This guide is primarily forsponsors who prepare meals on-site or in central kitchens for participatingchildren.Eating HabitsBegin EarlyChildren can learn healthy eating habits when they are young. Offeringhealthy meals and snacks through the SFSP provides the energychildren need for active lives and helps them to learn healthy habits thatmay last for a lifetime. The summer food service setting offers anopportunity to impact children’s lives positively. If possible, takingtime to provide nutrition and physical education during meals, snacks,or at play can serve to begin a lifestyle of healthy eating and physicalactivity.4