Sunday, February 26, 2012

Good News! School Lunches are about to get healthier

Have you heard? The USDA has issued new guidelines for school meals.  The new standards are supposed to go into effect on July 1st and be phased in over a 3 year period.  These new and improved nutrition standards are based on recommendations provided by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academics and come as part of an effort to slow down the childhood obesity epidemic. 

Exciting highlights from the new nutrition standards include caloric minimums and maximums per meal based on the child’s age.  Sounds like common sense, right? Well, some schools currently offer their preschoolers the same portions they offer their 6th graders!  Unbelievable! Also, and most importantly, new requirements mean more fruits and vegetables and more whole grain! Yippee…
Want to see what these changes will look like in a meal? Check out this before and after sample lunch menu provided by the USDA: http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Governance/Legislation/cnr_chart.jpg

Interested in learning more about these guidelines? Visit the USDA website’s School Meals at http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Governance/regulations.htm
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2 comments:

  1. Changae April KimFebruary 26, 2012 at 10:48 PM

    GREAT!!! Finally government is putting something into action. I was always concern about our future leaders and now they get to eat healthier food at school. So glad to hear this :)

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  2. KristinaCaleFebruary 28, 2012 at 12:04 PM

    The changes look great for school childern, although for Wednesay's meal they could have added a protein-packed food item.

    Thumbs up for more whole grains, fruits, and veggies - and much less processed foods!

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