School Nutrition Association nearly doubles money spent on lobbying

WASHINGTON—The School Nutrition Association nearly doubled its lobbying spending this year as it has battled over new school lunch standards.

The group, whose members include school nutrition officials and some food industry giants, spent more than $105,000 to press its case with Congress and the executive branch from April 1 to June 30, new lobbying reports show. That's up from $53,887 during the previous three months.

The lunch standards were approved by Congress in 2010 and phase in requirements that school districts increase fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains and reduce sodium. A new round of standards went into effect this month.