USDA points out the transition of these new nutritional requirements as a way for schools to “gradually transition from anomalous situations caused by a pandemic to normal program operation and dietary standards consistent with the latest nutritional science.” did. news release.
The new standards include: Schools may offer flavored low-fat (1%) milk in addition to other non-fat and low-fat milk options. At least 80% of the grains in school breakfast and lunch per week must be rich in whole grains. And from the 2023-2024 school year, the weekly sodium limit for school meals only will be reduced by 10%. According to USDA, the weekly sodium limit for the 2022-2023 academic year will remain at current levels.
“Nutritional school meals provide the foundation for a successful and healthy life for American children,” Secretary of Agriculture Tom Bilsack said in a statement on Friday. “We commend the school’s heroic efforts to continue to provide children with the most nutritious diet possible through this pandemic challenge. The criteria we will implement over the next two years are schools. Helps us move into a future based on tremendous progress. They have improved the nutrition of school meals over the last decade. “
Schools were “greatly successful” in implementing these 2012 standards, but authorities said on Friday that due to administrative delays and a Covid-19 pandemic, “some schools have standardized on milk, whole grains and sodium. You may not be ready to meet it completely. ” At the moment. “
Stacy Dean, Deputy Secretary of Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services at USDA, is “realistic” in the gradual transition criteria while schools are recovering from a pandemic and working to strengthen their children’s nutrition programs. I explained.
“We know it’s not easy to change our diet, but even if we change it little by little, the future rewards are amazing, showing that schools can succeed,” Dean said. Said on the phone.
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