By the numbers: School lunch

Nine out of 10 school districts nationwide involve students in taste tests before new items are put on the menu.

Mexican food remains the most popular ethnic food category.

Ninety-five percent of school districts offer fresh fruits and vegetables and fat-free or low-fat milk.

Elementary students pay, on average, $1.66 for lunch, middle schoolers $1.85, high schoolers $1.90.

The typical lunch period is 25 minutes in elementary and middle school, and 30 minutes in high school; however, one district in 10 has a lunch period that's 17 minutes or less.

Source: School Nutrition Association