| Criteria | Requirement |
| I | Vegetables are mentioned in all lunch choices on every school day |
| II | Whole grains are mentioned in at least one lunch choice on every school day |
| III | Reduced fat dairy products or other calcium-rich food items are mentioned in at least one lunch choice on every school day |
| IV | Limited food items are served in no more than two school days |
| V | No strongly discouraged food items are found on all school days |