USDA Proposes Major Overhaul for School Meals

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a 78-page proposed
rule revising school breakfast and lunch nutrition requirements as a way
to combat childhood obesity. Noting that implementation would improve
dietary habits and protect children’s health, the rule is part of the Healthy,
Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 recently signed into law.

Based on recommendations released in 2009 by the National Academies’ Institute of Medicine, the revisions reportedly represent the first major overhaul to school meals in 15 years. Among other things, the proposal calls for meals served to approximately 32 million school children to (i) include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat milk; (ii) limit sodium and saturated and trans fats; and (iii) help meet nutritional needs of children within their established calorie minimums and maximums.

“We understand that these improved meal standards may present challenges for some school districts, but the new law provides important new resources, technical assistance and flexibility to help schools raise the bar for our kids,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. USDA requests comments by April 13, 2011. See USDA News Release and Federal Register, January 13, 2011.