The U.S. Department of Agriculture last week announced four final rules that will implement provisions of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act and build on USDA’s efforts to improve the nutritional quality of meals served in schools. The rules promote healthy snacks and aim to ensure that nutrition standards, called “Smart Snacks in Schools,” are consistent for all foods marketed and served in schools.
IDFA doesn’t expect the final rules to have a significant impact on the nutrition standards for dairy foods served in schools or through other federal feeding programs. Read more about dairy’s role in “USDA’s Smart Snacks Program Keeps Many Dairy Products in Schools,” which was published in July 2013 when the interim final rule for nutrition standards was published. These standards have been effect since the 2014-2015 school year.
Final Rules
The four rules cover competitive foods sold in schools, local wellness policies, eligibility of students to participate in school feeding programs and an administrative review.
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