| Nutrient Needs and Energy Allowances | Preschool | Grades K-6 | Grades 7–12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy allowances (calories) | 517 | 664 | 825 |
| Total fat (as a percentage of actual total food energy)1 | <30% | <30% | <30% |
| RDA* for protein (g) | 7 | 10 | 16 |
| RDA for calcium (mg) | 267 | 286 | 400 |
| RDA for iron (mg) | 3.3 | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| RDA for Vitamin A (Retinol Equivalents) | 150 | 224 | 300 |
| RDA for Vitamin C (mg) | 14 | 15 | 18 |
| Food Components and Items | |||
| 1 Milk (as a beverage) | 6 fluid ounces | 8 fluid ounces | 8 fluid ounces |
| 1 Meat or Meat Alternative | 1 1/2 ounces | 2 ounces | 2 ounces |
| lean meat, poultry or fish2 | 1 1/2 ounces | 2 ounces | 2 ounces |
| alternate protein product | 1 1/2 ounces | 2 ounces | 2 ounces |
| cheese | 1 1/2 ounces | 2 ounces | 2 ounces |
| large egg | 3/4 egg | 1 egg | 1 egg |
| cooked dry beans or peas | 3/8 cup | 1/2 cup | 1/2 cup |
| peanut or other nut or seed butters | 3 Tablespoons | 4 Tablespoons | 4 Tablespoons |
| nuts and/or seeds3 | 3/4 ounce | 1 ounce | 1 ounce |
| yogurt | 3/4 cup | 1 cup | 1 cup |
| 2 Vegetables or Fruits4 | 1/2 cup | 3/4 cup | 1 cup |
| 1 Grains/Breads5 (servings per school week) | 8/week | 10–12/week | 10–15/week |
| bread | 1/2 slice | 1 slice | 1 slice |
| cornbread, biscuit, roll or muffin | 1/2 serving | 1 serving | 1 serving |
1
Fewer than 10 percent of calories from saturated fat over a school week.
2
A serving consists of the edible portion of cooked lean meat, poultry or fish.
3
Nuts and seeds may meet only one-half of the total meat/meat alternate servings and must be combined with another meat/meat alternate to fulfill the lunch requirement.
4
Fruit or vegetable juice must be full strength.
5
Breads and grains must be made from whole-grain or enriched meal or flour. Cereal must be whole grain, enriched or fortified.
*
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)