The USDA noted the transitional nature of these new nutrition requirements as a way for schools to “gradually transition from the extraordinary circumstances caused by the pandemic to normal program operations and meal standards that are consistent with the science of nutrition.” most recent,” the agency said in a statement. Press release.
The new standards include: schools can offer low-fat (1%) flavored milk in addition to other non-fat and low-fat milk options; at least 80% of cereals in school breakfasts and lunches per week must be rich in whole grains; and beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, there will be a 10% decrease in the weekly sodium limit for school lunches only. The weekly sodium limit for the 2022-2023 school year will remain at current levels, according to the USDA.
“Nutritious school meals provide America’s children with the foundation for successful and healthy lives,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement Friday. “We applaud the heroic efforts of schools throughout the challenges of this pandemic to continue to serve children the most nutritious meals possible. The standards we are implementing for the next two school years will help schools transition to a future that builds on the tremendous advances that have improved the nutrition of school meals over the past decade.
While schools had “great success” in implementing those 2012 standards, the agency noted Friday that administrative delays and the Covid-19 pandemic have resulted in disruptions in which “some schools may not be prepared to meet completely with the standards for milk, whole grain and sodium. at this time.”
Stacy Dean, USDA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, described the gradual transition standards as “realistic” as schools recover from the pandemic and also work to strengthen child nutrition programs.
“We know it’s not easy to change eating habits, but the future benefits of incremental changes are extraordinary, and schools have shown that success is possible,” Dean told reporters on a call.
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