ARE SIMPLY GOURMET LUNCHES HEALTHY?
Yes. Our lunches are designed to conform to the NJ State Department of Agriculture’s Model School Nutrition Policy. Simply Gourmet meets or exceeds these recommendations. At minimum, one meal per day will be offered that is in full compliance with these guidelines. We are committed to: • Providing students with healthy and nutritious foods; • Encouraging consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables through our preparation and individualized packaging; • Encouraging students to consume all components of the balanced meal.

WHAT IS THE NEW JERSEY STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE’S MODEL SCHOOL NUTRITION POLICY?
The part of the New Jersey State Department of Agriculture’s Model School Nutritional Policy that Simply Gourmet is concerned with is in regards to lunches. This part of the policy is in compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture National School Lunch Act which mandates that school meals “safeguard the health and well-being of the Nation’s children”. It requires that on a weekly average, school lunches must provide one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A and C. These lunches must also comply with the applicable recommendations of the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans which limits total calories from fat to 30%, and total calories from saturated fat to less than 10%.

WHAT HIGHLIGHTS CAN YOU OFFER ABOUT THE PROCESSES AND PRODUCTS USED TO CREATE A SIMPLY GOURMET LUNCH?
- At least one meal per day is offered in full compliance with the NJ State Department of Agriculture’s Model School Nutrition Policy - We believe in making our lunches kid-friendly and nutritious - Nothing is ever fried - Fresh fruits and vegetables are sliced daily for the lunches - Our chicken products are white meat. - All sandwich bread, dinner rolls and bagels are whole wheat - We use fresh romaine lettuce for our green salads. - Many recipes are started from scratch to ensure the highest nutritional levels - We prepare all of our products in a “peanut free” environment

SHOULD FATS BE ELIMINATED FROM MEALS?
No. Fat should not be eliminated from meals. Fats play an important role in the body. They carry the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and help the body to absorb these. Fats also provide energy and the feeling of being full after a meal. A recent study (JAMA 2006) showed that low fat diets did not lower the risk of some cancers and heart disease. Even though this study showed certain data, it is still necessary to limit certain fats like saturated fat.

WHY DO SOME LUNCHES SEEM SO HIGH IN STARCH?
It may seem that some lunches are high in starch because the school lunch pattern requires school lunch providers to serve a minimum amount of grains, fruits, and vegetables all which contain carbohydrates. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends increasing complex carbohydrates (45-65% of calories). These foods also contain many essential nutrients.