USDA issues new 'transitional standards' for school meals

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued transitional standards for milk, whole grains and sodium in school meals.

The new standards, which will be implemented at the start of next school year and run through 2023-2024, aim to help operators cope with the ongoing supply chain challenges of the pandemic era.

Under the transitional standards, schools may offer students age 6 and older flavored low-fat (1%) milk as well as nonfat flavored milk and nonfat or low-fat unflavored milk. In addition, at least 80% of the grains served must be whole-grain rich.

The weekly sodium limit for school lunch and breakfast will remain the same for next school year. For the 2023-2024 school year, that limit will decrease by 10% to align with the U.S Food and Drug Administration’s recently released guidance to voluntarily reduce sodium in processed, packaged and prepared foods.

The USDA says it is currently in talks with school nutrition leaders to discuss and establish long-term meal standards that would go into effect for the 2024-2025 school year.

The School Nutrition Association (SNA) praised the transitional standards and also called on Congress to also authorize the extension of the pandemic meal waivers.

“School nutrition professionals are frantic just trying to get enough food on the tray for our students amid relentless supply chain disruptions and labor shortages. We greatly appreciate USDA addressing regulatory requirements and look forward to further collaboration with the Department to assess the viability of nutrition standards moving forward,” School Nutrition Association President Beth Wallace said in a statement. “With school nutrition professionals already planning menus and placing orders for the fall, we also urgently require Congress’ approval of waiver extensions to ensure all students continue to benefit from healthy school meals.” 

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