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: Blueberries

The Dietary Guidelines and MyPlate recommend eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables to get the nutrients your body needs. Blueberries are a small fruit that range in color from blue to purple and are anywhere from 0.2 to 0.6 inches in diameter. Don’t let the small size of these berries fool you; they pack a nutrition punch that rivals fruit twice their size! They are low in calories, but high in
vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese. In addition, blueberries are a rich source of antioxidants, which may have beneficial effects on the heart, brain, and blood sugar levels of diabetics. Add blueberries to your cereal or grab a handful for a light, but nutritionally packed snack. Make your summer a little sweeter by indulging in these mini nutrition powerhouses!

More about the food of the month:

• Blueberries 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
• Red, White, and Blueberry Parfait

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