Gradual Overhaul of U.S. School Meals Now Underway

With California Ag Today, I am Haylie Shipp. This is the Ag Information Network.

July 1 has come and gone and, with its passing, updated nutrition standards for school meals are now in effect. While the rulemaking is technically effective, it’s not a light-switch change with the USDA gradually phasing in required changes over time.

Among the changes, there will be a limit to added sugars allowed for specific foods that tend to be higher in added sugars. Think cereal, yogurt, and flavored milk. Eventually this will transition so that no more than 10% of weekly calories in the meals can be from added sugars. In this area, flavored milks will be getting a close look.

There are no changes to whole grain nutrition requirements with schools continuinh to ensure that 80% of weekly grains contain at least 50% whole grains.

Sodium limits are also on the list. By July 1, 2027, schools will have to have reached a 10% reduction in sodium for school breakfasts and 15% for school lunches.

A recent Congressional Research Service report states the finalized regulation will cost school districts an extra three cents per meal on average. That adds up to about $206 million every year nationwide.