The U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled last Friday the long-awaited proposed rule on competitive food options in schools, which will set new national standards for the food and beverages offered in a la carte lines, snack bars and vending machines. IDFA commended the department for its efforts to encourage students to consume the daily recommended requirements of milk and dairy as part of the “Smart Snacks in Schools."
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 required USDA to establish nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools, beyond the federally supported school meals programs. The proposed rule draws on recommendations from the Institute of Medicine, existing voluntary standards already implemented by thousands of schools around the country, and healthy food and beverage offerings already available in the marketplace.
Dairy Reformulations Add Options
“We applaud USDA for highlighting the importance of dairy in children's diets,” said Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO. “The dairy industry has worked diligently to reformulate the foods and snacks that kids enjoy, including flavored milk, yogurt, cheese and ice cream, to provide more options in schools.”
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