New nutrition rules in effect for Cy-Fair schools

New federal nutrition standards and guidelines will be put into preparation of all school meals in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District for the 2012-13 school year.

On Monday, Aug. 27, the first day of school, students will receive a mandatory half-cup of either fruit or vegetables as a condition to receive the full meal at the posted price.

Students can refuse the fruit or vegetables — but will be charged the adult price for the meal.

With fruit or vegetables on the tray, a lunch will cost $2 for elementary students and $2.25 for those in secondary school. Students choosing to be adults by refusing the fruit or vegetables will be charged $3.

The mandate came down during the summer as a result of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by the president in 2010. It affects school districts across the country.

Food service employees will receive training prior to the opening of school so they will be able to assist students to make proper, healthy food choices.

"We are counting on parents to help encourage our students to try them," said Darin Crawford, CFISD food service director, in a press release announcing the new regulations.

If parents have any concerns about the new guidelines they should direct their calls to the Food and Nutrition Services Division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.