First Lady Michelle Obama and U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled the final regulations for the nation's school lunch program.

While not as dramatic as originally proposed, the changes do offer students fruits and vegetables every day; increase whole grain foods; reduce saturated fats, trans fats and sodium and limit the total number of calories in a meal.

The changes are the product of recommendations from a panel of experts convened by the Institute of Medicine. They are designed to help fight the growing childhood obesity problem in the United States and will affect more than 32 million children.

Most of the changes will be phased-in over a three-year period starting with the 2012-2013 school year.

Jerry Kozak with the National Milk Producers Federation praised the Ag Department for continuing the requirement that low-fat or fat-free milk remain a part of every school meal noting, "Milk is the single largest contributor of nutrients in kids' diets." Kozak also praised USDA for keeping low-fat and fat-free yogurt and cheese on school breakfast and lunch menus.

John Keeling with the National Potato Council says while they are pleased USDA recognizes the importance of increasing consumption of vegetables, they are concerned the final rule "falls short of giving schools flexibility". By giving preference to certain vegetables over others Keeling says the rules handcuff local schools trying to meet nutritional needs within a budget.

More details from USDA available here.

BrownfieldAgNews

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