The Department of Juvenile Services' Food and Nutritional Services team assist in learning about nutrition through various traditions such as posters, monthly food menu choices, and other fun activities. We incorporate menu selections and food choices into holidays, celebrations, and special occasions, such as National School Breakfast Week, National School Lunch Week, and National Nutrition Month. Each month, the program focus on a Food of the Month to serve in the department's residential facility cafeterias. The purpose of the Food of the Month promotion is to highlight the nutritional benefits of healthy eating, wellness, and making health conscious food choices in an adolescent's diet. This food item is chosen based on consideration of the diverse ethnicities, cultures, and the correlation to the traditions of various backgrounds.
Maryland's Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides nutritious meals and snacks to low-income children (ages 18 and under) during June, July, and August when school is not in session. For more information visit the
Maryland Public Schools website to find a site near you.
December's Food of the Month is Sweet Potatoes!
Despite their name, sweet potatoes are actually distantly related to regular potatoes. Although
orange is the most common, they can also be white, red, pink, and even purple! While delicious as
part of a sweet potato pie for the holiday season, there is a lot more to love about this vegetable than
its pie potential. Not only is this underground tuber packed with beta carotene which is important for
eye health, but it is also rich source of fiber (improved gut health and reduced risk of diabetes),
vitamin C (immune boosting), and potassium (important for blood pressure control). Fried, mashed,
and baked are all delicious ways to eat a sweet potato. Try substituting sweet potatoes in your
favorite regular potato dish for a fun and nutritious boost to your diet not only during the holidays, but
all year long.
Menu for the week of November 26 – December 2, 2023
Notes: Milk served will be flavored or unflavored fat-free or 1% white. Condiments served at breakfast and lunch will be fat-free or low fat. Fruit juices served will be 100% juice.
Menu for the week of December 3 – December 9, 2023
Notes: Milk served will be flavored or unflavored fat-free or 1% white. Condiments served at breakfast and lunch will be fat-free or low fat. Fruit juices served will be 100% juice.
Menu for the week of December 10 – December 16, 2023
Download a copy of the menu of the week
Notes: Milk served will be flavored or unflavored fat-free or 1% white. Condiments served at breakfast and lunch will be fat-free or low fat. Fruit juices served will be 100% juice.
Menu for the week of December 17 – December 23, 2023
Download a copy of the menu of the week
Notes: Milk served will be flavored or unflavored fat-free or 1% white. Condiments served at breakfast and lunch will be fat-free or low fat. Fruit juices served will be 100% juice.
Menu for the week of December 24 – December 30, 2023
Download a copy of the menu of the week
Notes: Milk served will be flavored or unflavored fat-free or 1% white. Condiments served at breakfast and lunch will be fat-free or low fat. Fruit juices served will be 100% juice.
Menu for the week of December 31 – January 6, 2023
Download a copy of the menu of the week
Notes: Milk served will be flavored or unflavored fat-free or 1% white. Condiments served at breakfast and lunch will be fat-free or low fat. Fruit juices served will be 100% juice.
