The food provided to minors on medical diets requiring more than three meals should be determined by the responsible physician. Minors are to receive at least 32 ounces of milk daily. Levels of activity and growth patterns for minors vary thus a range of calorie levels is provided. It is at the discretion of the dietitian to determine the correct calorie value need for the population. With the limitation of calories from fat, emphasis should be given to other food sources to achieve the required energy values.
Food is a morale issue in facilities, often a high point for the minors in detention.
Eye appeal, and to some extent, presentation can impact its acceptance as well as the content and flavor of the meals themselves. Related issues such as greasy trays can also have an adverse effect on acceptance. Attention to food related grievances as well as the amount of food being discarded can offer dividends to the cost conscious facility manager. Good nutrition need not be expensive. In fact, good nutrition can be cost effective in several ways.