Alternate lunch patterns in high schools. IV. Nutritive value.

The nutritive value of lunches in forty-eight high schools was assessed using alternate methods of menu planning. Using Type A, Basic 4, and free-choice patterns, the nutrient levels in lunches consumed were not significantly different from those of lunches using the Type A "offer vs. serve" pattern. For boys, lunches as consumed were significantly below the goals for calories, thiamin, and iron in all groups. For girls, lunches as consumed were significantly below the goal only for iron.

Alternate lunch patterns in high schools. III. Food acceptability.

Food acceptability was assessed in forty-eight high schools using alternate methods of menu planning for school lunches. The free-choice pattern resulted in a significant reduction of total plate waste, particularly in the vegetable and salad categories. Girls consistently wasted more food than did boys, regardless of menu pattern. Overall plate waste was 7 and 13 per cent of food service for boys and girls, respectively. The data suggest that a free-choice lunch may be effective in reducing plate waste, particularly for poorly consumed menu items.

Alternate lunch patterns in high schools. I. Labor requirements and meal costs.

Meal costs were compared in forty-eight high schools as a function of the lunch pattern. The patterns evaluated were: Type A "offer vs. serve," traditional Type A, four food groups (Basic 4), and free choice. Participation in school lunch increased with free choice, resulting in a reduction in labor and total meal costs. Sixteen per cent of foodservice work involved administration, 37 per cent preparation, 16 per cent service, 25 per cent clean-up, and 6 per cent other, which did not vary with the menu pattern.