New nutrition standards for school meals have been implemented in the US under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 in an effort to combat child hunger and obesity and improve the health and nutrition of the nation’s children.
The new meal requirements raise standards for the first time in more than 15 years and will improve the health and nutrition of nearly 32m children that participate in school meal programmes every school day.
As of the new school year, the standards ensure that students are offered both fruits and vegetables every day of the week, according to a press release from the US Department of Agriculture.
The United Fresh Produce Association said the amount of fruits and vegetables being served daily will double with increased baskets of fresh fruit to colourful salad bars.
“Schools are demanding more fresh fruits and vegetables to improve children’s eating habits and meet the new nutrition standards. This is fresh produce’s time to shine!,” said Dr Lorelei DiSogra, United Fresh’s vice-president of nutrition and health.
In addition, offerings of whole grain-rich foods and low-fat milk or fat-free milk varieties will be increased substantially.
Calories will also be limited based on the age of children being served to ensure proper portion size; and the amounts of saturated fat, trans fats and sodium in servings will be reduced.
“Improving the nutrition of school meals is an important investment in the future of America’s children,” said Agriculture Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Kevin Concannon.
“We know that healthy food plays a vital role in strengthening a child’s body and mind and the healthier school meals will help to ensure our children can learn, grow, and reach their full potential.”
Starting this school year, US schools will phase in the nutrition standards over a three-year period.
Schools will focus on changes in the lunches in the first year, with most changes in breakfast to take place in future years.
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