The USDA has announced new updates to school nutrition standards aimed at providing healthier meal options for students in the upcoming academic years. As part of the Biden administration’s initiative to “build back better” after the pandemic, these changes will restore stricter health guidelines that were previously rolled back during the Trump administration.
In a recent statement, the USDA outlined transitional standards to facilitate a smooth adjustment for schools, ensuring they can transition from pandemic-era operations to more nutritious meal offerings. The new requirements, effective from the beginning of the 2022 school year, will enhance standards for milk, whole grains, and sodium.
Key Changes Include:
- Milk: Students aged 6 and older will have access only to flavored low-fat (1%) milk, nonfat flavored milk, and nonfat or low-fat unflavored milk.
- Whole Grains: At least 80% of grains served each week in school lunches and breakfasts must be whole grain.
- Sodium: Schools can maintain current sodium standards for the 2022 school year, but starting 2023-2024, a new weekly sodium limit will be implemented that is 10% lower.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized the importance of nutritious school meals in laying the foundation for children’s health and success. He remarked that these transitional standards represent the first step in a broader strategy to enhance the school meal programs, which provide vital nutrition to millions of children daily.
The USDA plans to engage with schools and meal stakeholders this fall to shape long-term nutrition standards set to begin in the 2024-2025 school year. Vilsack noted the need for a balance between high standards based on the latest nutrition science and practical implementations that work for all involved.
The Biden administration recently extended the universal free lunch program through the 2021-2022 school year, significantly aiding the estimated 12 million youth facing food insecurity. These children stand to benefit greatly from the newly heightened nutritional standards.
“Together, these actions will pave the way to stronger, more resilient school meal programs,” the USDA stated, which is welcome news for families relying on these vital services.
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Summary:
The USDA has reinstated stricter school nutrition standards to enhance meal quality for students, focusing on milk options, whole grains, and sodium levels. These updates, effective for the 2022-2023 school year, aim to support children’s health and nutrition in the wake of the pandemic. Future standards will be developed with input from various stakeholders, ensuring a balanced approach to nutrition in schools.
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