Nebraska school students may be seeing some new and unusual foods in the cafeteria this year. Many schools have new government nutrition guidelines to follow.
U-S Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says a reduction in the amount of sodium in meals served by schools. For the first time both the maximum and minimum calorie count for a child’s age will be taken into consideration in meal plans. School cafeterias will also have to offer an extra cup of vegetables to students as well as increase the amount of fruit that is available.
New guidelines also include serving low fat or skim milk and increasing the amount of full-grain products used. The new guidelines are intended to provide healthier options and to reduce childhood obesity.