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: Watermelon
Juicy, sweet, red watermelon...is there a fruit that more perfectly captures summer in a bite? But
there is so much more to this fruit than meets the eye. Watermelon is actually related to
cantaloupes, zucchinis, pumpkins, and cucumbers! Containing 91% water, it’s the perfect way to
hydrate on hot summer days. However, make sure to enjoy it in early fall as well because these
refreshing fruits are in season in Maryland until October! Watermelon is low in calories, but high in
nutrition. Two-thirds of a cup has only 30 calories; in addition to being a rich source of vitamin C,
potassium, copper, vitamin B5, and vitamin A, watermelon is loaded with citrulline and lycopene,
plant compounds linked to reduced blood pressure and improved insulin sensitivity in some people.
Include watermelon at your summer (and fall) barbecues for a refreshingly delicious way to meet My
Plate fruit guidelines.
More about the food of the month:
Weekly menus
View and download menus for each week.
Note: Milk served will be flavored or unflavored fat-free or 1% white. Fruit juices served will be 100% 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