Changes to expect in your child’s school lunches under new USDA nutrition standards
by Lexi Lonas - 02/04/23 6:00 AM ET
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Friday proposed major changes to school lunches in an attempt to make the meals healthier, with particular emphasis on reducing sugar and salt.
The plan, which is set for a 60-day public comment period starting Tuesday, is a multiyear effort that was developed with input from school nutrition professionals, public health experts, industry and parents, according to the statement from the department.
The USDA found the biggest concerns from stakeholders in the conversation were the amount of added sugar in school lunches and the amount of time the industry needs to make these changes to school meals.
“Our commitment to the school meal programs comes from a common goal we all share — keeping kids healthy and helping them reach their full potential,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
“Many children aren’t getting the nutrition they need, and diet-related diseases are on the rise. Research shows school meals are the healthiest meals in a day for most kids, proving that they are an important tool for giving kids access to the nutrition they need for a bright future.”
Not everyone, however, is a fan of the proposed changes.
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https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/3842890-changes-to-expect-in-your-childs-school-lunches-under-new-usda-nutrition-standards/