USDA’s latest school meal guidance proves fresh fruits and veggies are always in style

At a recent Conversation on Healthy School Meals Roundtable, the USDA put policy into action. Not only did Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack share several new nutritious school meals initiatives and updates to school meal standards, but he also conveyed a plan for the gradual phase-in of new science-based nutrition standards in schools across the U.S.

The bottom line? These new and updated guidelines and initiatives by the USDA reinforce the nutrition benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables and press for the increased availability of produce offerings in school lunches.

“Our commitment to the school meal programs comes from a common goal we all share — keeping kids healthy and helping them reach their full potential,” Vilsack said in a news release. “Many children aren’t getting the nutrition they need, and diet-related diseases are on the rise. Research shows school meals are the healthiest meals in a day for most kids, proving that they are an important tool for giving kids access to the nutrition they need for a bright future.”

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According to the USDA, the proposed changes aim to provide children with less added sugar and sodium — which are significantly too high in the American diet — and more of the healthy foods that are underconsumed, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. 

These efforts are part of a larger National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, shared at the first White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in over 50 years, hosted by President Joe Biden last September.

“We must all step up to support child health if we are to achieve the Biden-Harris Administration's goal of ending hunger and reducing diet-related diseases by 2030, in accordance with the National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition and Health. Strengthening school meals is one of the best ways we can achieve that goal,” Vilsack added.

What this means for fresh fruits and vegetables

1. The new science-based nutrition standards are based on the latest edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which emphasizes fruits and vegetables.

2. Added sugar is targeted in updates to nutrition guidance, which will likely bolster demand for foods with naturally occurring sugars, like fruit. Reductions in added sugar in school breakfasts are slated as a part of the multiyear school implementation plan.

3. A $100 million investment in the Healthy Meals Incentive plan will, according to a USDA statement, “help increase demand from agricultural producers to provide nutritious commodities.”

4. The proposed rule strengthens incentives to “Buy American” for school meals and supports schools sourcing more locally grown foods.