USDA Revamps School Nutrition Standards for Healthier Meals

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced significant updates to school nutrition standards aimed at providing healthier meals for students in the upcoming academic years. In a move designed to “build back better” following the pandemic, the Biden administration is reintroducing health-focused guidelines for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years.

According to recent reports, the USDA is reinstating stricter health regulations for school lunches that were previously rolled back during the Trump administration. To facilitate a smooth transition while schools adapt to post-pandemic realities, the USDA has introduced “transitional standards” that will allow schools to gradually comply while still ensuring improved nutrition. These changes will take effect at the beginning of the 2022 school year, enhancing standards for milk, whole grains, and sodium content.

Key Changes to Nutrition Standards

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 the grains offered in school lunches and breakfasts must be whole grain each week.
Sodium: Current sodium guidelines will apply for the upcoming school year, but starting in 2023-2024, schools will need to adhere to a new sodium limit that is 10% lower.

“Nutritious school meals provide America’s children the foundation for successful, healthy lives,” stated Agriculture Secretary Mark Jennings. “These transitional standards are just the first step in a comprehensive strategy to integrate school meal programs into our efforts to improve child health.” Jennings highlighted the crucial role schools play in delivering the healthiest meals of the day to children, emphasizing the need for the best possible options.

The USDA is also planning future requirements and will seek feedback from schools and meal stakeholders this fall, with the aim of establishing long-term nutrition standards starting from the 2024-2025 school year. “We must strike the right balance between setting high standards based on the latest nutrition science and ensuring those standards are practical and sustainable for everyone,” Jennings added. “We look forward to hearing from the community, because when it comes to the health of our children, we must aim high.”

This announcement follows the Biden administration’s extension of the universal free lunch program through the 2021-2022 school year, significantly benefiting the estimated 12 million children facing food insecurity—many of whom will gain from improved nutritional standards in school meals.

Together, these initiatives are set to strengthen and enhance school meal programs, providing much-needed support to children and their families.

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Summary

The USDA is updating school nutrition standards to enhance the health and wellbeing of students, reinstating stricter guidelines for milk, whole grains, and sodium in response to the needs identified during the pandemic. These changes aim to ensure that children receive nutritious meals that support their growth and development in schools, with an emphasis on gathering community feedback for future standards.

Keyphrase: USDA School Nutrition Standards

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