Healthy Meals for All
School meals meet strict federal nutrition standards aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These standards ensure a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat or fat-free milk, making every meal both nutritious and delicious.
New USDA Meal Standards Starting in 2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating meal standards to further improve school nutrition. Changes include:
- Whole Grains: Schools will continue offering nutrient-rich whole grains, with some enriched grain options.
- Milk: Flavored and unflavored milk will remain available, now with limits on added sugars.
- Added Sugars: A phased approach to sugar limits, beginning with specific high-sugar items like flavored milk and cereals, and transitioning to weekly overall limits.
- Sodium: Further sodium reductions will be gradually implemented.
National School Lunch Program Highlights
All meals must include items from five food groups. Students choose at least three:
- Fruits: ½ cup daily (K-8); 1 cup daily (9-12).
- Vegetables: A variety, including dark greens, red/orange, and legumes. 1 cup daily (all grades).
- Whole Grains: 80% of offerings must be whole grain-rich, with 2 oz daily.
- Lean Proteins: 2 oz per meal, including chicken, fish, turkey, and low-fat dairy.
- Milk: Fat-free flavored or 1% white milk (8 oz daily).
Snack Standards
To ensure healthy snack choices, all competitive foods (e.g., vending machines, snack bars) follow USDA’s "Smart Snacks in School" standards:
- Under 200 calories.
- Low in sugar and fat, with whole grain options.
- No added sugars in bottled drinks.
Why the Updates?
USDA updates reflect the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans to combat excessive added sugars, sodium, and insufficient fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in children’s diets. These improvements aim to reduce diet-related diseases and promote healthier eating habits.