Memo Text
School Food Authorities (SFAs) participating in the School Breakfast Program may credit any vegetable offered, including potatoes and other starchy vegetables, in place of fruit without including vegetables from other subgroups in the weekly menus through June 30, 2021.
Original fruit requirement implemented in the 2014-2015 school year:
The first two cups per week of any such substitution must be from the subgroups dark green, red/orange, beans/peas, or other vegetables to be in compliance with the breakfast meal patter requirements.
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Effective through June 30, 2021:
Schools that offer 1 cup of fruit, vegetable, or a combination of both each day will be in compliance with the breakfast fruit meal pattern requirements.
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Current fruit requirements to remember while planning breakfast menus:
- Schools must offer a minimum of 1 cup of fruits daily to all age-grade groups.
- Schools may offer vegetables in place of fruits.
- Full-strength juice may be offered to meet up to one-half of the weekly fruit requirement.
- Dried fruit may be offered; it credits for double the amount offered.For example, ¼ cup of raisins credits as ½ cup of fruit.
- Under Offer versus Serve (OVS), students must select at least ½ cup of fruits or vegetables to have a reimbursable meal.
This provision provides additional flexibility in planning breakfast menus but does not require SFAs to make any menu changes. SFAs that offer 1 cup of fruit, vegetable, or a combination of both at breakfast each day will be considered compliant during the Administrative Review through June 30, 2021.
If you have any questions, please contact your Area Specialist at 501-324-9502.
Attachment:
SP 06-2020: School Breakfast Program: Continuation of the Substitution of Vegetables for Fruit Flexibility