Advocates Blast Trump Administration's Proposal To Loosen Obama-Era School Lunch Nutrition Rules

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says the proposed rules would give schools needed flexibility, but critics say that loosening restrictions creates a loophole that will lead to kids having less nutritious options.

NPR: More Pizza And Fries? USDA Proposes To 'Simplify' Obama-Era School Lunch Rules The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed new rules for school meals aimed at giving administrators more flexibility in what they serve in school cafeterias around the country each day. For instance, instead of being required to offer higher quantities of nutrient-dense red and orange vegetables such as carrots, peppers and buttternut squash, schools would have more discretion over the varieties of vegetables they offer each day. In addition, students will be allowed to purchase more entree items as a la carte selections. (Aubrey, 1/17)

CNN: USDA Proposes Allowing 'More Flexibility' In School Lunches Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said in a statement, "Schools and school districts continue to tell us that there is still too much food waste and that more common-sense flexibility is needed to provide students nutritious and appetizing meals. We listened and now we're getting to work." (Sullivan, 1/19)

https://khn.org/morning-breakout/advocates-blast-trump-administrations-proposal-to-loosen-obama-era-school-lunch-nutrition-rules/