Feeding hungry minds Published Aug. 24, 2007 By Mr. Jeffrey C. Craven AAFES Pacific Region KADENA AB, Japan -- School starts next week and the AAFES School Meal Program is ready to provide healthy meals to feed hungry minds. AAFES School Meal Program is operated under the guidelines of the USDA National School Lunch Program. This means that the school menu must follow Dietary Guidelines and meet the following nutrition standards when analyzed over a week: 1/3 of the Recommended Daily Allowance for calories, protein, iron, calcium and Vitamins A & C. Less Than 30% of calories from fat & less than 10% of calories form saturated This year features 30 new menu items with menu changes initiated through feedback from students, parents and staff. In addition to our regular school meal service, some AAFES school cafeterias offer a variety of ala carte food and beverages items for sale to students and staff. Ala carte items can be purchased to supplement bag lunches from home or the regular school meal. School meals are priced as a unit for K-6th and 7th -12th. Middle/Intermediate schools that start at 6th grade can serve the 7th -12th grade portions and price accordingly. Contact your local middle/Intermediated school to see if this affects your 6th grader. 2007-2008 Breakfast Prices Students Eligible for Free Meals No charge Students Eligible for Reduced Priced Meals $0.30 Elementary Students Paying Full Price $1.25 2007-2008 Lunch Prices Students Eligible for Free Meals No charge Students Eligible for Reduced Price Meals $0.40 Elementary Students Paying Full Price $2.05 Secondary Students Paying Full Price $2.20 Non-Students $3.30 Lunch Plus Additional Entrée $0.75 AAFES provides a variety of ways for students to purchase school meals. The Horizon "Fastlane" Point of Sale School pre-payment system is available in all-AAFES operated schools in the Pacific and in enduring locations in Europe. Parents or students can place any desired amount of money into their account and can set daily spending limits. Deposits can be made at the school (during cafeteria operational hours) or at the AAFES PX/BX Cashier Cage once an account is set up. On installations where the "Fastlane" system is not utilized, school meal coupons are available at the PX/BX cashier cages. Coupons are sold as Lunch Coupons or Lunch Plus Coupons. Lunch Coupons are used to purchase a complete lunch meal; the Lunch plus Coupon can be used to purchase a second entree with the meal or purchase ala carte items. Check with your local Community Service Division for applications for free and reduced price meals. To learn more about the AAFES School Meal Program and get the latest school menu, visit our website: www.aafes.com Click on the AAFES Community tab Click on School Meal Program