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What is a Reimbursable Meal?

A reimbursable meal is a single priced meal unit that offers all of the USDA daily required meal pattern components for each age/grade group served in the minimum required amounts. Quantities vary by age/grade group, but components remain constant and necessary for all student meals claimed for reimbursement. (See ‘meal pattern’ in the index for more information on age/grade groups and vegetable sub-groups.)

There is a sample picture of what a reimburable breakfast and lunch tray would look like under the Frequently asked questions tab as well.

    • Fruits
    • Vegetables
    • Grains
    • Meats/Meat Alternates (m/ma)
    • Fluid Milk (1% or fat-free white or fat-free flavored)

    Under offer versus serve in the National School Lunch Program, student must take at 3 components in the required serving sizes. One selection must be 1⁄2 cup from either the fruit or vegetable component.

    • Fruit/Vegetable
    • Grains - (Meat/Meat Alternates may be substituted when minimum daily grain requirement is met)
    • Fluid Milk (1% or fat-free white or fat-free flavored) 

    Under offer versus serve in the School breakfast Program, student must select 3 food items in the required serving sizes, one serving must be ½ cup of fruit/vegetable.

    • FEDERAL REGISTER
    • 7 CFR § 210.10 Meal requirements for lunches and requirements for after-school snacks, and 7 CFR § 220.8 Nutrition standards and menu planning approaches for breakfasts.