USDA Issues Transitional Nutrition Standards for Schools

Last week, the USDA announced updates to the school nutrition standards, giving schools a path forward. The agency said these actions support the dedicated school meal program operators who provide critical nutrition to millions of children every day at school. The new standards begin in the 2022-2023 school year and continue through the following school year.

The new requirements allow schools and childcare providers to serve 1% low-fat milk, as well as nonfat flavored milk and nonfat or low-fat unflavored milk. At least 80% of the grains served in school lunches and breakfasts each week must be whole-grain rich. The weekly sodium limit for school lunches and breakfasts will remain at the current levels for 2022-2023, and the school lunch limit will drop 10% the following year in 2023-2024. All of the other nutrition standards, including fruits and vegetable requirements, will remain the same as the 2012 standards.

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