Climate Action
USDA Finalizes Nutrition Standards for “Competitive Foods” in Schools
June 28, 2013
Yesterday, USDA finalized the national school nutrition standards for vending machines, a la carte purchases, school stores, and other foods sold in schools outside of lunch. Combined with the improvements in school lunches in the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act, all foods and beverages sold in schools will now need to meet healthy nutrition standards. The “Smart Snacks in School” standards will take effect in the 2013-2014 school year.
These new standards, which Earth Day Network has advocated for in partnership with the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity (NANA), set sensible limits on caloric intake, salt, sugar, and fat in both food and beverages offered in schools. No longer will companies be able to fortify junk food and qualify them as “healthy” options for our students.