FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – The Trump Administration announces it is changing nutrition standards for school lunches.
The USDA is lowering whole grain and sodium requirements for schools that have trouble getting foods that meet the standards and that kids want to eat – like allowing flavored one percent milk instead of just non-fat.
Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says too many schools and kids he spoke to complained about school lunches
“We want to give them the flexibility to make them not only nutritious, but palatable where kids can enjoy a great school meal.” – Agricultural Secretary Sonny Perdue.
The American Heart Association says the USDA should instead help schools meet existing nutrition standards.
Fresno Unified Spokesperson Jessica Baird says: “Fresno Unified continues to meet federal nutritional guidelines -so we don’t have any plans to deviate from that.”
Baird says their nutrition team is working on kid-friendly recipes.
“In fact this year, we introduced a Chicken Faa dish – which is a healthy Asian noodle soup – and we’re piloting, actually right now, a whole grain low fat pizza at Tioga Middle School in local partnership with Pacifica Pizza.
On May 13th, you can see or taste for yourself during F.U.S.D.’s Food Expo.
“We’ll feature some new healthy breakfasts and lunch options and we encourage people to join us and taste test a number of menu items we’re considering for students.” – Jessica Baird, F.U.S.D. Spokesperson.
Click below to listen to the story by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
