PPS schools must implement a new policy from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and ODE Child Nutrition (Oregon Department of Education) which states that juice may not be offered as a milk substitute. Currently there is no approved milk substitute available in Oregon. Students will not be required to take milk when they purchase lunch, if they do not drink milk. Students who do not want milk may choose from the other food groups offered to select at least three food groups.
As of November 9th, milk will be the only a la carte beverage sold in the K-5 and K-9 cafeterias. Juice will not be an option at lunch in order to encourage students to limit juice intake and eat more whole fruits as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. There is no limitation on beverages sent from home. Contact Shannon Stember at 503.916.3365 if you have questions.
