Changes to expect in your child’s school lunches under new USDA nutrition standards

[mystery-ak]

 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.

more
https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/3842890-changes-to-expect-in-your-childs-school-lunches-under-new-usda-nutrition-standards/

[mountaineer]

The proposed standards would continue allowing flavored milks, but aim to encourage students to choose fat-free and low-fat milk options. They include an optional limiting of flavored milk for those in grades nine or above, or else leaving flavored milk options for all grades.

I find it interesting that they seem so pro-chocolate milk. Seriously? That certainly wasn't an option for school lunches during my childhood (you know, when it was hard to find an obese child).

[Hoodat]

I find it interesting that they seem so pro-chocolate milk. Seriously? That certainly wasn't an option for school lunches during my childhood (you know, when it was hard to find an obese child).

I always hated chocolate milk.  I was that one kid in elementary school that went for the white milk.

[mountaineer]

I hated milk, period. If only they'd offered iced tea!

[Kamaji]

Research shows school meals are the healthiest meals in a day for most kids,

Total bullshit.  That might be the case in the ghetto, or majority black neighborhoods, but in the average community it’s horseshit.

[DefiantMassRINO]

No more USDA "Pink Slime" for school lunches?

Maybe those kids could ise more exercise and physical activities.

Schools are factory farms, and classrooms are the small holding pens, to produce fatter students.  Maybe we need to raise more free range students.

[mountaineer]

Total bullshit.  That might be the case in the ghetto, or majority black neighborhoods, but in the average community it’s horseshit.

In my school district (we are a somewhat impoverished county), breakfast and lunch are free to all, no matter the income of the child's parents. I wonder how many children of doctors and lawyers eat the gubmint's approved breakfast vs. eating something at home they actually like.