Fact Sheet

for Healthier School Meals

Limit Saturated Fat & Cholesterol

 Most Americans need to 

decrease their dietary 

intakes of saturated fat. 

Many Americans also need 

to decrease their intake of 

cholesterol to reduce the risk 

of heart disease. 

 The 2005 Dietary Guidelines 

for Americans recommend 

we eat less than 10 percent 

of calories from saturated 

fat and less than 300 mg of 

cholesterol per day.

 When averaged over a week, 

school meals must provide 

less than 10 percent of 

calories from saturated fat (no 

more than 6-8 grams at lunch).

 Aim for less than 100 mg of 

cholesterol at lunch and less 

than 75 mg at breakfast on 

average over a week.

 Schools can meet these 

recommendations by serving 

lean meats, encouraging more 

fruits, vegetables, dry beans, 

and whole grains, and serving 

only fat-free or low-fat (1%) 

milk.

Key I ss ueS: When it comes to heart health, the type and amount of fat we 

eat makes a big difference. Many Americans eat too much 

saturated fat and cholesterol, which increase unhealthy blood 

lipids (low-density lipoproteins, or “LDL cholesterol”). Most of the 

saturated fat in our diet comes from cheese and other higher fat 

dairy products, beef, and baked goods like cakes, cookies, and 

doughnuts. Foods higher in saturated fat usually contain more 

cholesterol, too. 

Look for the amount of “saturated fat”, “trans fat,” and “cholesterol” 

per serving listed on the Nutrition Facts label. Choose foods that 

have the least amount of all three. A manufacturer can claim a food 

as “low-cholesterol” if the product contains 20 mg of cholesterol or 

less and 2 g or less of saturated fat per serving.

Easy ways to 

follow the 2005 

Dietary Guidelines for 

Americans

Recipe for Success

 Offer fat-free (skim) or low-fat (1%) milk and yogurt. They’re rich 

in protein, calcium, and other nutrients and lower in saturated fat and 

cholesterol. 

 Try low-fat cottage cheese, part-skim mozzarella, 

ricotta, and other low-fat or reduced-fat cheeses.

 Omit butter and cream in sauces or as a seasoning 

for vegetables. Try herbs and spices to add more flavor 

without the fat.

 Choose lean cuts of meats

with minimal visible fat. Trim all 

outside fat before cooking and 

remove the skin on poultry. 

 Prepare fish baked, broiled, or 

grilled rather than breaded and fried.
United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from 

discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. 

To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 

1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or 

(202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Food and Nutrition 

Service

For more information:

www.MyPyramid.gov

USDA Commodity Food Program

USDA has reduced or eliminated saturated fat and cholesterol in commodities 

offered to schools. Shortening and butter are no longer available. Processors 

now use lean meat in place of skin and fat in processed poultry products. 

Schools can order lean meats and poultry items, part-skim mozzarella cheese, 

and other reduced-fat cheeses through the commodity program. Check the list 

of available foods at: www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/programs/schcnp/.

Messages for Students

 Want a crunchy addition to your salad? Try 

a small scoop of nuts. Nuts provide mostly 

unsaturated fats and are high in protein, leaving 

you feeling satisfied. 

 Grab a handful of nuts 

and fruit for a smart 

snack.

 Did you eat pizza 

yesterday? Try 

something different 

today! 

Did You Know?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that the 

body needs to function normally. Our bodies make 

enough cholesterol, so there is no required amount 

we should eat each day. When you have too much 

cholesterol—because of diet, how well your body is 

able to process it, or your genetic history—it can build

up in arteries and restrict blood flow to the heart 

and brain.

Two major types of cholesterol in the blood are:

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) - It is normal to 

have some of this type of cholesterol, but when too 

much LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, 

it can slowly clog the arteries supplying blood to 

the heart and brain. This increases your risk for 

a heart attack. 

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) - The “good” 

form of cholesterol helps to keep the arteries clear. 

Some studies suggest that high levels of HDL 

cholesterol can reduce your risk of heart attack 

and stroke. 

Liver, other organ meats, egg yolks, and dairy fats 

contain higher levels of cholesterol. Plant foods such 

as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts contain 

no dietary cholesterol. 

 Avoid using too many processed meats

including sausage, bologna, salami, and hot dogs 

— even those with “reduced fat” labels — they 

may still be high in calories, saturated fat, and 

cholesterol. Serve grilled, skinless chicken breast 

instead.

 Limit certain bakery products like doughnuts, 

pies, cakes, cookies, and crackers, which may 

contain saturated fat and trans fat.