USDA Approves LunchBox Software for Nutritional School Menus; School Nutrition Directors...

HARLAN, Ky. -- The U. S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) has announced its approval of LunchBox K-12 school food service nutritional analysis software.

LunchBox is first to be certified for CN 10 and has helped set the standard for the next round of software approvals through its adoption as

LunchBox is currently one of only seven USDA-approved software products that can be used by school districts to implement Nutrient Standard Menu Planning (NSMP), a guideline for K-12 schools in the U.S.

USDA approval of nutrient analysis software such as the Menus and Nutritional Analysis module of LunchBox is used by child nutrition directors to select the latest technology, accurately analyze their recipes and menus, enhance flexibility and variety in menu planning and assess compliance with required nutrient standards. LunchBox's Menus and Nutritional Analysis also offers age-specific and grade-specific nutrient standards and compliance reports for assessing RDA and dietary guidelines.

Bob Harris, Data Futures President, said: "Our company has been serving school districts for almost 25 years. We understand that school nutrition operations are on the front lines in the war against childhood obesity. Nutrient analysis software like LunchBox is a much-needed weapon that promotes wellness and fosters interesting, varied and healthy meals in the school cafeteria."

USDA approval of their nutrient analysis software is critical to school food service software vendors who sell to the child nutrition industry. A positive ruling by this agency gives credence to software purchasing decisions by K-12 administrators, including school food service directors, technology coordinators and superintendents.

Products that display CN or Child Nutrition Labeling have been evaluated by the USDA to determine their contribution toward meal pattern requirements for child nutrition programs in schools. CN 10 identifies the most currently evaluated labeling database.

LunchBox is a school food service management product used by school districts nationwide for point-of-sale (POS) at the cafeteria serving line, free and reduced meal application processing, inventory and procurement as well as menu planning and nutritional analysis. It is Web-based software that provides real-time communication and interaction between the district's central office and schools.

LunchBox is installed in more than 3200 schools across the United States. It uses touch screen technology and optional biometrics at the POS and introduced on-line meal application processing July 3, 2006.

LunchBox is owned by Data Futures, a software development company based in southeastern Kentucky.

For additional information about Data Futures, the LunchBox Menus and Nutritional Analysis module or the LunchBox software suite, contact Charleen Combs or visit www.lunchbox-k12.com. Other related sites:

http://schoolmeals.nal.usda.gov/Approved_SW/index.html

http://schoolmeals.nal.usda.gov/Software/lunchbox.html

http://www.ocregister.com/library/lunchbox/

http://www.businesssolutionsmag.com/index.php?option=com_ jambozine&layout=article&view=page&aid=2492

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About Data Futures:

Data Futures has been working with K-12 school districts since its formation in 1983. In addition to the corporate office in Harlan and Marketing and Sales headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee, Data Futures has offices in Kingsport and Franklin, Tennessee, Kansas City, Kansas and Jackson, Mississippi. LunchBox is sold directly and through a network of dealers, called Business Partners. The LunchBox software brand has been marketed for over 13 years. Data Futures also sells Fleet Runner, fleet and route management software for K-12 transportation departments.

LunchBox, Fleet Runner and Data Futures are trademarks of Data Futures, Inc.