Nutrition Zone
Nutrition Information on Menus
Studies show that a healthy breakfast and lunch are critical components to the overall educational experience, nourishing the body and setting the stage for a day of learning and knowledge retention. As dining service providers, we appreciate the critical role we play in ensuring the health and well-being of the students we serve by assisting them in selecting the healthiest, safest meal choices for their needs.
Nutrient Analysis
All Whitsons School Nutrition menus are reviewed by a Registered Dietitian and nutritionally analyzed through a USDA-approved program to ensure each menu meets or exceeds standards. In addition, Whitsons has a complete nutritional analysis on all core menu items available for any parents, staff, or students interested in learning more about any particular item. Click here to visit our Menu List page and download our interactive menus. You will be able to double click on a menu day for detailed nutrition and allergen information on the items we are serving.
Accommodating Allergen-Free Diets and Other Doctor-Prescribed Dietary Restrictions
Whitsons provides menu alternatives to accommodate students with doctor-prescribed special diet plans. We work in partnership with parents, school nurses, and the student to determine an appropriate menu that meets each student’s needs. Our goal with our allergen free food program is to enable children with food allergies and sensitivities to be free to enjoy great tasting, safe, and healthy foods in the school lunchroom, without fear of an adverse reaction or feeling isolated from their peers. Allergen information can be viewed on our interactive menus. We also maintain an allergen “right to know” station on every serving line, which includes a detailed listing of all of our food products separated by allergen food categories. In addition, detailed ingredient information is available for our freshly prepared menu items, as well as manufacturer labels for every pre-packaged item (i.e., snacks) through our food service director on site.
Secondary School Nutrition Program
Teens need to be able to embrace their individuality, while learning how to make healthy dining choices. Our secondary school nutrition program reinforces healthier eating, while providing a variety of menu options from which to choose.
- Wholesome Menus with Many Choices Daily. At the secondary level, our program includes a variety of menu options at various themed food stations. The stations have menu options that are always available, as well as menu specials that change daily. All menu items meet or exceed federal and state nutrition requirements for a healthy school breakfast or lunch. Fresh fruits and veggies are served every day, as well as a variety of lean proteins, whole grains, low fat dairy and 100% fruit juice. Visit our Interactive Menus webpage to see our menus.
- Holiday or Seasonal Theme Days and Recurring Monthly Promotions. Each month we celebrate special holidays or seasonal theme days with a special themed menu to add interest and excitement to the menu. Check out our menus for details on special menu days.
- Harvest of the Month Program. In addition to the wide variety of vegetables and fruits we offer on our daily menus, we highlight a different fruit or vegetable each month, with additional menu offerings, posters, and flyers.
- Activity of the Month Program. Various seasonally appropriate activities are highlighted each month on posters and flyers, to remind students of the importance of regular physical activity.
- Smart ChoicesTM Secondary Nutrition Education Program. Every month, we feature a special nutrition message and corresponding Smart Choices theme menu to educate the students about an important nutrition topic. These topics are supported by our monthly Smart Choices newsletter, which is distributed via our Smart Choices message centers, along with our Smart Choices info series cards on various nutrition topics.