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Department of Juvenile Services

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: Bananas

numerous bunches of bananas on a stepped display, like in a grocery store

Bananas are one of the world’s most popular fruits and the most exported, comprising 75% of the t ropical fruit trade. Even Elvis Presley’s favorite sandwich was a banana, peanut butter, and bacon sandwich! These fantastic fruits that come encased in nature’s own wrapper are packed with nutrition. Bananas are chock-full of fiber, which is linked with improved digestive health, and potassium, a nutrient that promotes heart health. They are also highly versatile: eat as a quick snack on the run; blended into a smoothie; indulge in a classic banana and vanilla wafer pudding; or even use those old overly brown bananas to bake up some delicious banana bread. Don’t be afraid to experiment; your taste buds (and body) will surely appreciate your creativity!​​

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 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 School Breakfast Program

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.

Maryland Summer Food Service Program

USDA programs and policies

Maryland wellness policy