Breakfast is offered daily in every school, and is considered to be the most important meal of the day. Research has shown that students who eat a nutritious breakfast are more attentive and perform better at school. It is also a great help for parents since they can depend upon the School Breakfast Program to provide breakfast for their child.

Although portion sizes are adjusted for appropriate age groups, a typical school breakfast consists of:

• 1 serving milk
• 1 serving fruit, fruit juice, or vegetable
• 2 servings from a combination of the following,
• a serving bread or bread alternate or
• 1 serving meat or meat alternate (such as eggs or cheese)

Lunch menus are carefully planned to offer daily menu choices and a wide variety of foods so students can choose something they really enjoy! A school lunch is planned to provide 1/3 of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA's) of key nutrients for each student age group.

A typical lunch menu, with portions adjusted according to age group, consists of:

• 1 serving meat/meat alternate
• 2 servings fruit and/or vegetable (different items must be selected)
• 1 serving bread/bread equivalent
• 1 serving milk

Most school cafeterias in Emanuel County operate under the provision called "offer versus serve," which is mandated in high schools and recommended for others. This means that students are offered a variety of menus and foods to choose from within a menu, rather than serving them all five menu components with no choice. The rationale for this provision is that students will select and consume the foods they like, which is preferable to serving foods they do not like and will just throw away. Students are offered and encouraged to eat all five components from the menu but if they do not want the full meal, they must select at least three of the five components.

Offer Vs Serve is practiced during the breakfast meal also, and students may select three of the four of the food components offered.

Meals are available at free or reduced price to students whose households qualify under federal income guidelines. All students receive an application for free and reduced price meals at the beginning of the year or upon enrollment. All households are encouraged to fill out an application and return it to the school cafeteria indicating that they would like to apply for benefits or wish to decline the opportunity to apply. Applications are readily available from the school office, cafeteria manager, or may be obtained by calling (478) 237-6673.

In the operation off the Emanuel County School Nutrition Program, in accordance with Federal Law and U. S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race , color, national origin, sex , age or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Direct, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Washington,
D. C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice).  Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). Emanuel County Board of Education  School Nutrition Program is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans (age 2 years and older) developed by USDA offers the following advice for a healthy diet:

• Eat a variety of foods
• Balance the food you eat with physical activity; maintain or improve your weight
• Choose a diet with plenty of grain products, vegetables and fruits.
• Choose a diet low in fat, saturate fat and cholesterol
• Choose a diet moderate in sugars
• Choose a diet moderate in salt and sodium

Each School offers, at a minimum, a complete lunch with an entree(s), two services of fruit/vegetable, bread, and choice of milk. Several menu choices are available each day from which students can select a complete meal.

Breakfast is available at every school and consists of bread and/or meat products, fruit and milk.

Free and reduced price meals are available to students whose households qualify under federal guidelines. Applications for free or reduced price meals are available from the school office, cafeteria manager, or can be obtained by calling 237-6674.