Hardeman County Schools' cafeterias strictly follow USDA guidelines that call for a balance of meats, vegetables, fruits and grains. New nutrition guidelines implemented in the 2006-07 school year and adopted by the Hardeman County Board of Education set certain standards for food items sold starting 45 minutes before school to 30 minutes after school in vending machines and fund raising on school premises. Guidlines call for limiting dietary fat, sugar, sodium content and portion sizes in Pre-K-8 schools as well as reducing baked and reduced fat food items sold à la carte by 75% and a reduction in fried food items.

In addition to lunch, breakfast is served, and with the advent of the Extended School Day program, snacks are part of the program. The school nutrition breakfast and lunch programs are "offer versus serve." Out of five products, three can be chosen. Students have a choice from two or three entrees or three or four vegetables. They can choose up to five, but must have at least three to be reimbursable meals.

Lunches are traditional and à la carte in Hardeman County Schools. Elementary schools use the traditional approach with a weekly food bar that ranges from fruits and vegetables to soups and sandwiches; high schools traditionally use the à la carte approach. All utilize the Food Guide Pyramid with meat being the foundation, followed by vegetables, fruits and milk products. Less emphasis is placed on sweets and carbohydrates. School nutrition programs also work with special needs children requiring special diets. Medical reasons, such as diabetes or food allergies, must be documented by a physician.