The 5-Star Rating System

The nutrition provided by each menu is evaluated using our unique 5-Star Rating System*. The number of stars awarded corresponds to how well the menu meets our recommended goals for food groups and key nutrients for your child's developmental stage. The Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ Menu Planner takes into account the inevitable variations in your child's diet by evaluating food groups and nutrients on a weekly basis. All system generated Start Healthy, Stay Healthy™ menus will achieve a 5-Star rating - our highest Menu Rating. If you modify a system generated menu to meet your child's specific food preferences, the Menu Rating will be re-calculated, and guidance will be provided to help you modify your child's menu if the rating falls below 5-Stars.

The meaning for each star rating is as follows:

5 Stars: Excellent! All food groups and key nutrients meet recommendations

4 Stars: Very Good! All but one food group or nutrient meets recommendations

3 Stars: Almost There! One food group and one key nutrient are not meeting recommendations

2 Stars: Keep Going! Two food groups and/or two key nutrients are not meeting recommendations

1 Star: Good Try! More than two food groups and two nutrients are not meeting recommendations

* Patent Pending