The revised USDA recommendations are intended to bring school meals in line with federal nutritional standards and to aid in the reduction of childhood obesity.
Highlights:
The USDA has suggested new recommendations for school breakfasts and lunches that will reduce the amount of sodium and sugar offered.
The rules are intended to align school meals with federal nutritional standards and to aid in the reduction of childhood obesity and associated disorders. The suggestions are open for public discussion before becoming law and may be changed.
- Officials from the United States Department of Agriculture announced new nutrition standards for school meals
- They have called for limits on added sugars, with an emphasis on sweetened items such as cereals, yogurt, flavored milk, and morning pastries
- The revised plan also aims to considerably reduce salt in school meals supplied to children by 2029
The sugar plan is divided into two parts that target specific goods as well as general weekly limitations.
Childhood Obesity - Criteria - Causes - Complications, Treatment
Childhood obesity is one of the most serious health challenges in the developing countries and needs to be understood and tackled effectively.
Childhood obesity is one of the most serious health challenges in the developing countries and needs to be understood and tackled effectively.
‘The healthy school meals initiative by the United States Department of Agriculture, which provides breakfast to more than 15 million children and lunch to roughly 30 million children every day, aims to boost nutrition and match the meals with US dietary requirements.’
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Reducing Added Sugars in School Meals
Beginning in the fall of 2025, added sugars in school lunch meals such as morning cereals, flavored milk (such as chocolate milk), grain-based desserts, and yogurt would need to be reduced. Flavored milk, for example, must include no more than 10 grams of added sugar per 8 fluid ounces, and breakfast cereal should contain no more than 6 grams of added sugar per ounce.By 2027, all added sugars in school meals must be less than 10% of total calories.
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Mantra to Prevent Childhood Obesity - Vigorous Physical Activity
Being physically very active is the mantra to prevent pediatric obesity rather than concentrating efforts at restricting energy consumption.
Being physically very active is the mantra to prevent pediatric obesity rather than concentrating efforts at restricting energy consumption.
Reducing Salt in School Breakfasts
Sodium reductions would be phased in. Salt in school breakfasts would have to be reduced by 10% in 2025, followed by another 10% in 2027. Lunch sodium levels would need to be reduced by 10% in 2025, 2027, and 2029.Advertisement
Does Sugar Source Matter More Than Amount for Childhood Obesity?
Discover how the source of sugar outweighs its quantity in shaping children's health outcomes.
Discover how the source of sugar outweighs its quantity in shaping children's health outcomes.
Providing Healthy Meals at Schools
“Research shows students receive their healthiest meals at school, thanks to current nutrition standards,” SNA President Lori Adkins said. “As schools nationwide contend with persistent supply chain, labor and financial challenges, school meal programs are struggling to successfully maintain current standards and need support, not additional, unrealistic requirements.”Source-Medindia
Link Between Mother�s Unhealthy Diet Before Pregnancy and Childhood Obesity
Children born to mothers who follow a healthy diet pattern are at lower risk of developing obesity.
Children born to mothers who follow a healthy diet pattern are at lower risk of developing obesity.
