USDA School Nutrition Standards Update: Transitional Standards for SY 2022-2024

USDA School Nutrition Standards Update

Overview

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced updates to school nutrition standards to support schools as they recover from the pandemic. These transitional standards aim to provide a clear path forward for school meal programs, ensuring children receive nutritious meals while addressing operational challenges.

Transitional Standards (SY 2022-2024)

  • The USDA is issuing transitional standards for the school years (SY) 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 to allow schools to adjust from pandemic operations towards more nutritious meals.
  • These standards are designed to bridge the gap between current challenges and long-term nutrition goals.

Milk

  • Schools and childcare providers can offer flavored low-fat (1%) milk in addition to nonfat flavored milk and nonfat or low-fat unflavored milk for participants ages six and older.

Whole Grains

  • At least 80% of grains served in school lunch and breakfast each week must be whole grain-rich. This encourages the consumption of more nutritious grains.

Sodium

  • The weekly sodium limit for school lunch and breakfast will remain at the current level in SY 2022-2023.
  • For school lunch only, there will be a 10% decrease in the sodium limit in SY 2023-2024. This aligns with the FDA's voluntary sodium reduction targets.

Long-Term Nutrition Standards (SY 2024-2025 and beyond)

  • The USDA plans to engage with stakeholders to establish long-term nutrition standards beginning in SY 2024-2025.
  • A proposed rule is expected in fall 2022 to update nutrition standards based on the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
  • The final rule is expected to be in place for schools to plan for SY 2024-2025.

Importance of School Meals

  • School meals are critical for children's health and provide a foundation for successful, healthy lives.
  • Research indicates that school children often receive their healthiest meals of the day at school.

Background and Context

  • The USDA previously updated school nutrition standards in 2012, which had a positive impact on students' diets.
  • The transitional standards address implementation delays and pandemic-related challenges some schools face in fully meeting the existing standards.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • The USDA will work closely with school meal partners to develop the next iteration of nutrition requirements.
  • Input from schools, industry, and other stakeholders will be prioritized to inform the process.
  • The goal is to balance optimal nutrition with practical, sustainable standards.

USDA's Broader Initiatives

  • The USDA is focused on transforming America's food system, with an emphasis on:
    • Resilient local and regional food production
    • Fairer markets for producers
    • Access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food
    • Climate-smart food and forestry practices
    • Infrastructure and clean energy investments in rural America
    • Equity across the Department