Center Point ISD

School Nutrition Standards

Unfortunately, students are not allowed to purchase or eat the food provided by the Pirate Bistro due to national School Nutrition Standards.

School meals are healthy meals that are required to meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. To receive federal reimbursements, school meal programs must offer “reimbursable” meals that meet strict federal nutrition standards. These standards, also referred to as “the meal pattern,” require schools to offer students the right balance of fruits, vegetables, low-fat or fat-free milk, whole grains and lean protein with every meal. Since July 1, 2014, the US Department of Agriculture’s Smart Snacks in School rules have required all foods and beverages sold separate from school meals to meet new nutrition standards. Often referred to as “competitive foods,” because they are sold in competition to the complete reimbursable school meal, these items include entrees, sides, snacks or drinks sold during the school day in vending machines, snack bars and a la carte lines. The rules do not apply to food and beverages brought from home or sold during non-school hours, weekends or at off-campus events (e.g. concessions during sporting events and school plays).