MUSLIM LUNCH? Recent rumors of a special school lunch menu in Rutherford County are unfounded

Mar 28, 2013 at 06:32 pm by bryan


Questions have recently been raised in Rutherford County about the introduction of a Muslim approved meal in our county school system. WGNS spoke to County Schools Public Information Officer James Evans and he told us that is not the case.

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Rutherford County Schools are an active participant in the National School Lunch program. Under part 210, number 3 of the National School Lunch Program guidelines, it simply suggests, “Schools should consider ethnic and religious preferences when planning and preparing meals.” The information WGNS read does not specifically require any change in school lunch plans, it is only a suggestion and not an order.

Apparently, religious food requirements are not an issue for most parents. According to a 2007 USDA survey of parents, only 1.2% suggested that schools nationwide be more responsive to special diets that may involve religious restrictions.

Mr. Evans was on WGNS this past Monday morning. Hear the complete show below: 

PART 210—NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

 (3) Variations for ethnic, religious, or economic reasons. Schools should consider ethnic and religious preferences when planning and preparing meals. Variations on an experimental or continuing basis in the food components for the food-based menu planning approaches in paragraphs (k) or (n) of this section may be allowed by FNS. Any variations must be nutritionally sound and needed to meet ethnic, religious, or economic needs.

Source:

Rutherford County Schools PIO James Evans
2010 National School Lunch Program Guidelines
2007 USDA Survey from The Office of Research, Nutrition and Analysis

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