Daily Programming

Food Service

On-Site Children’s Services Staff provide three nutritional meals and two snacks per day for youth in our facility. All meals are planned according to the USDA guidelines for Child Nutrition Programs (traditional food based menu planning system). Our current focus is to reduce sodium by 16% as well as Cholesterol by 33%. Presently, we are introducing whole grain items into the menu, replacing some refined carbohydrates. These include whole wheat:

  • Bagels
  • Bread
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Rolls
    Food Pyramid     
Special dietary needs are addressed on an individual basis for youth needing an adapted menu for medical or religious reasons.


School Breakfast Outreach Information

Breakfast is available in the Washtenaw County Youth Center cafeteria from 7:30 to 8 a.m. Breakfast is provided at no charge to youth housed at the Washtenaw County Youth Center. Breakfast choices for all students include an entrée, fruit, fruit juice and milk. All choices meet the USDA nutritional standards. The Youth Center wants to ensure that our residents are ready to learn and achieve their highest academic potential by fueling their bodies with a nutritious breakfast!

Wellness Policy

In accordance with USDA policy the youth center has implemented a local wellness policy (PDF). Local wellness policies are an important tool for parents, local educational agencies (LEAs) and school districts in promoting student wellness, preventing and reducing childhood obesity, and providing assurance that school meal nutrition guidelines meet the minimum federal school meal standards.

Summer Food

The Michigan Department of Education’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) site locator was created to ensure that children in lower-income areas could continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations, when they do not have access to the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs. Use the SFSP site locator to find a SFSP site near you. View Ann Arbor Sites Participating in the Summer Food Service Program.