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The latest updates from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) aim to restore and enhance school nutrition standards that were previously rolled back during the Trump administration. As part of the Biden administration’s initiative to “build back better” in the wake of the pandemic, school lunch menus will see significant changes to promote healthier eating for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years.
As reported by The Washington Post, the USDA is reintroducing stricter health guidelines for school meals that were eliminated in earlier years. To facilitate a smooth transition while addressing pandemic-related challenges, the USDA is implementing “transitional standards” to help schools shift back to more nutritious offerings. These standards will provide schools with the necessary time to adjust from current pandemic operations to a healthier meal program.
New Requirements
The new requirements are set to take effect at the beginning of the 2022 school year and include enhancements in milk options, whole grains, and sodium content:
- Milk: Students aged 6 and older will only have access to flavored low-fat (1%) milk, nonfat flavored milk, and nonfat or low-fat unflavored milk.
- Whole Grains: At least 80% of the grains served each week in school lunches and breakfasts must be whole grain.
- Sodium: Schools can continue to follow existing sodium guidelines for the upcoming school year, but by 2023-2024, there will be a new weekly sodium limit that is 10% lower.
“Nutritious school meals provide America’s children with the foundation for healthy and successful lives,” stated Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. He emphasized that these transitional standards are the first step in a long-term strategy to enhance school meal programs as a vital component of improving child health. Research indicates that children often receive their healthiest meals at school, highlighting the need for nutritious options.
The USDA is also planning to develop future nutrition requirements and will solicit feedback from schools and meal stakeholders this fall prior to establishing long-term standards for the 2024-2025 school year. “We must strike a balance between providing optimal health standards based on the latest nutrition science and ensuring these standards are practical and sustainable,” added Vilsack. “We look forward to hearing ideas from the community because the health and well-being of our children is a priority.”
This announcement follows the Biden administration’s decision to extend the universal free lunch program through the 2021-2022 school year, which has significantly impacted the estimated 12 million youths facing food insecurity. These children stand to gain the most from the higher nutritional standards being implemented in schools.
“Together, these initiatives will strengthen and enhance school meal programs,” the statement concluded. This is certainly encouraging news for families depending on these vital services.