USDA Releases New & Improved School Meal Nutrition Criteria
Statement of CSPI Nutrition Policy Director Margo G. Wootan
January 13, 2011
I applaud USDA for proposing to bring school meal standards into the 21st century. The new standards represent an enormous improvement over the status quo. Capping calories, limiting French fries, and reducing salt will all help America’s school children avoid unnecessary weight gain and diet-related diseases. And requiring school lunches to provide more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will teach kids healthy eating habits that may last a lifetime.
In addition, the recently passed child nutrition reauthorization law will provide schools with more advice, model menus, healthy recipes, and funding to implement these rules once they’re finalized and adopted.