Photo: msr (Flickr)
On Friday, the USDA released new guidelines for food sold in public schools. The proposed standards, which are open to public comment for 60 days, are aimed at both limiting the amount of sugar, salt and fat in school meals, and at increasing the amount of whole grains, fruits and vegetables students eat.
While the new rules will apply to cafeteria lines and vending machines, they will not impact after-school sporting events or bake sales.
Through the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, the USDA is hoping to provide more healthy eating choices for kids. Because a large portion of the nation’s children get more than half of their calories at school, the availability of more nutritious options at school could have significant health impacts.