Menus and Nutrition Policies

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 focuses 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.

Food of the Month: Apples

As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change from green to the telltale colors of red, orange, and yellow, sure signs that fall is coming. Although we say good bye to many of our summer fruits and vegetables, the world’s most popular fruit: apples, will continue to grow. Maryland has orchards full of these delicious tree dwellers through November! Apples come in many varieties and are perfect to eat right off the tree on a cool autumn day or in your favorite apple pie recipe. Not only are they versatile in the kitchen, apples are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals which have beneficial effects from the gut to the heart. Whether you prefer the tartness of a Granny Smith, the sweetness of a Golden Delicious, or the hints of sweet and sour of a Pink Lady, there is an apple for every taste.

More about the food of the month:

• Apples 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
• Dutch Apple Pie

Note: Milk served will be flavored or unflavored fat-free or 1% white. ​Fruit juices served will be 1​00% juice.​​​

Food programs for qualifying families

Maryland School Breakfast Program (SBP)

Find an overview of the program, eligibility details, nutrition requirements, and other information.

Maryland's Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) 

This program provides nutritious meals and snacks to low-income children (ages 18 and under) during June, July, and August when school is not in session. Find details and location information on the Maryland Public School's website.

USDA programs and policies

• ​USDA Programs - PDF - 131.97 KB
• USDA Nondiscrimination Statement - PDF - 116.7 KB
• USDA Notice to Beneficiaries - PDF - 181.67 KB
• USDA Civil Rights Complaint Procedures - PDF - 117.93 KB

Maryland wellness policy

• Wellness and Nutrition Service Policy (2025) - PDF - 923.1 KB
  • To share your feedback on the Wellness and Nutrition Service Policy, please send us an email.
• 2024 Wellness Policy Triennial Assessment (August 2024) - PDF - 24.06 MB