The “Sensible School Lunch Act” (S. 427) would permanently lift the cap on proteins and grains in the federal school meals programs. This legislation would change the new standards for school meals that were the result of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.
According to Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) the legislation would allow more flexible portions of proteins and grains in school lunches, while leaving in place the rest of USDA’s regulation regarding total calorie cap and the emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and non-fat dairy selections.
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) said, “The weekly limits on grains and proteins served with school meals had the unintended consequence of restricting healthy menu items like daily sandwich choices and salads topped with chicken and low-fat cheese. Under the bipartisan Sensible School Lunch Act, school meals would continue to meet calorie limits and include plenty of fruits and vegetables, but cafeterias will have flexibility to plan menus that meet student tastes and nutrition standards.”
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