• January 13, 2011

The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has released a proposal that would dramatically change nutrition requirements for the federally subsidized school lunches and breakfasts that fall under the recently passed Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Nearly 32 million children eat lunches and nearly 11 million eat breakfasts that fall under the subsidized program.

The requirements proposed include banning most trans fat; reducing sodium in meals over the next 10 years; increasing fruits, vegetables and whole grains; establishing calorie maximums and minimums; and limiting milk selections to unflavored 1% or fat-free flavored or unflavored.

The proposal could take years to be passed and go into effect.  Speaking to Associated Press, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack acknowledged that some schools would be challenged to find the budgets for higher food costs, but said that new standards are necessary to address childhood obesity and other health issues.