New USDA school meal standards boost child nutrition

USAgNet - 04/25/2024

To enhance child health, the USDA has updated the nutrition standards for school meals, with a plan to implement these changes gradually from Fall 2025 to Fall 2027. Announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, this initiative aims to create healthier eating habits among America's youth by reducing the amounts of added sugars and sodium in meals served at schools.

The new standards, influenced by the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, will introduce limits on added sugars in breakfast cereals and yogurts, with the full implementation scheduled for 2027. Moreover, the standards will continue to allow schools to offer both flavored and unflavored milk, though with new restrictions on added sugars.

Regarding sodium, the updates will require a reduction in sodium levels in school meals by Fall 2027, addressing public health concerns about high sodium intake among children. This change is backed by past consultations with nutrition and industry experts, ensuring that schools have adequate time to adjust to the new requirements.

Whole grains remain a staple, with no changes to the current requirements, ensuring students continue to receive nutrient-rich options. Additionally, schools will find it easier to incorporate a variety of protein sources, such as yogurt and tofu, catering to diverse dietary preferences and reducing reliance on sugary options.

These updated standards are part of a broader effort by the Administration to combat hunger and encourage healthy eating habits in educational settings. They also support local economies by facilitating the purchase of locally sourced foods for school meals. This strategic focus on nutrition at schools highlights the administration's commitment to improving the dietary habits and health outcomes of future generations.

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