Operators are acutely aware of student preferences they know that students often decide whether or not to eat a school meal based on what is on the menu and not on hunger alone. Especially in the current economy, any loss of revenue based on decreased participation presents a real threat to the financial stability of the program. The foremost concern of all operators is the possibility that modifications may negatively affect student participation. A strategic plan that introduces change incrementally over a realistic time frame-one developed with the involvement of key stakeholders-is desirable. Making a substantial change in menus for the school meal programs calls for a holistic approach to the entire food service operation.
The chapter concludes with the committee’s recommendations related to evaluation and research. Specific recommendations are given related to technical support for food service workers, procedures for monitoring, and measures related to the sodium and whole grain content of prepared foods. Topics covered under implementation include key elements of achieving change, menu planning, school food service program operation, technical support for school food service operators, monitoring the quality of school meals, achieving long-term goals related to reducing sodium and increasing the whole grain content of meals, and the updating of the Nutrient Targets and Meal Requirements in response to future changes in Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Evaluation refers to well-designed studies to examine the value of the Meal Requirements in meeting overall programmatic goals. Monitoring refers to a review of how well the revised Meal Requirements are being implemented for the purpose of quality improvement at the local level. The effectiveness of recommended Nutrient Targets and Meal Requirements will be determined in large part by the extent to which the children consume appropriate amounts of the foods that are offered and the manner in which the targets and requirements are implemented, monitored, and evaluated.
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