USDA Issues Changes to School Nutrition Rules
The USDA recently released a final rule for its proposed
changes to school meal standards. The final rule ushers in broader flexibilities
in the whole wheat, sodium, and milk standards than previously suggested. Under
the final rule, to be published later this month, the whole grain requirement
will be lowered from 100 percent whole wheat to 50 percent whole wheat. Many
districts have been eligible for an annual waiver from the 100 percent requirement,
but under this rule, all districts will only be held to the 50 percent requirement.
AASA had been suggesting this change, in that many districts have had
difficulty finding culturally appropriate whole grain foods that students
enjoyed.
The rule also holds steady the sodium limit, postponing the
planned decreased allowance for four years and cancelling the final planned decrease.
Phase II of the sodium restrictions will now take effect in the 2024-25 school
year and will be the final stage. AASA had been suggesting this change as the
current limits are already quite stringent and nutritionists disagreed on the
need for further reductions.
The rule also allows schools to sell and to serve one
percent flavored milk in addition to the nonfat milk currently allowed. This
change will make it easier to buy, sell, and serve milk that is familiar to
students.
Find AASA's statement here.