Nutrition FAQs

Menus are designed by registered dietitians using recipes created by HISD professional chefs. HISD Nutrition Services employs five registered dietitians and five chefs who follow strict USDA nutrition guidelines to ensure HISD meals are both nutritious and delicious.

Whole grains contain fiber, B vitamins, iron, protein, and healthy fats, unlike refined grains such as white flour and white rice. "Whole grain rich" means at least half of the grain in a product is whole grain. Examples in HISD menus include brown rice, tortillas, dinner rolls, bread, buns, cereal, and whole grain coatings on chicken and fish.

Serving sizes are planned to be appropriate for the ages of our students. Older students will receive more servings of food items and therefore receive more calories than younger students (See question "How many calories do school meals have for more information.").

Calorie ranges are based on USDA Dietary Guidelines and the Institute of Medicine’s Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI):

• Breakfast:
  • K-5th grade: 350-500 kcal
  • 6th-8th grade: 400-550 kcal
  • 9th-12th grade: 450-600 kcal
• Lunch:
  • K-5th grade: 550-650 kcal
  • 6th-8th grade: 600-700 kcal
  • 9th-12th grade: 750-850 kcal

We average the calories in our meals over a week’s time to give us more flexibility day-to-day. These science-based calorie ranges assure students get just the right amount of calories for growth and activity.

HISD prepares meals without adding extra salt and focuses on purchasing low-sodium ingredients. Our chefs enhance flavor naturally by using salt-free seasoning blends and fresh herbs, such as cilantro.

Meals are healthier versions of popular foods like hamburgers, pizza, nachos, and hot dogs. HISD ensures these items are made with lean meats, lower sodium ingredients, and whole grain-rich bread products.

Absolutely! HISD meals are:

• Trans fat-free
• Less than 10% of calories from saturated fat
• Less than 35% of total calories from fat

All ingredients are carefully selected, and no deep-fried foods are served.

• Breakfast: Low-fat (1%) and nonfat unflavored milk
• Lunch: Low-fat (1%) and nonfat unflavored & chocolate milk (with reduced sugar)

• Some schools require students to take all breakfast items.
• Schools using "Offer vs. Serve" allow students to decline one item, but they must take at least ½ cup of fruit or juice.
  • Example: If the meal includes a chicken biscuit, banana, orange juice, and milk, a student could choose the chicken biscuit, banana, and milk, and decline the orange juice

A complete meal includes at least three of the following food components, with one required to be a fruit or vegetable:

• Meat or meat alternative
• Grain
• Fruit
• Vegetable
• Milk

In order for a lunch to qualify as a full meal, a student must choose at least three of these food components, and one of these three must be a fruit or vegetable. Students may take all five components if they choose.

HISD offers a variety of fresh, seasonal vegetables, including:

• Bright-colored vegetables (tomatoes, carrots, collards, etc.)
• Beans/legumes weekly
• Limited "starchy" vegetables

HISD’s Wellness Policy serves as a guiding framework to create a school environment that supports student health, well-being, and learning. In alignment with federal requirements, the policy outlines goals for nutrition education, physical activity, and overall student wellness. It sets nutrition standards for meals, snacks, and beverages while ensuring compliance with USDA regulations. Overseen by the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC), the policy is regularly assessed to measure progress and maintain alignment with best practices in student health and nutrition. For more details, visit Student Welfare Wellness and Health Services.

HISD offers vegetarian meals throughout the week, labeled "vegetarian" in SchoolCafé.

Vegetarian meals DO INCLUDE vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, eggs, and honey.

Vegetarian meals DO NOT INCLUDE meat, poultry, game, fish, or shellfish.

For questions about specific ingredients, contact nutrition@houstonisd.org.

HISD prioritizes purchasing foods without artificial colors and flavors, significantly reducing their presence on menus.

Some menu items may contain pork, and these items are clearly labeled on menus.

HISD does not use peanuts or tree nuts in any meals. Please note that we are not “nut-free” facilities since students/staff are allowed to bring foods from home that may contain nuts.

Please direct all special diet concerns to NSSpecialDiets@houstonisd.org; (P) 713-556-2937.