As they return back to school, students will get twice the amount of vegetables and fruits on their meal trays, as well as more whole grains, and less salt and unhealthy fats. The updated school meal standards, unveiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in January, have been highly praised by health and education groups, including the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest. The standards set calorie maximums for the first time and lower calorie minimums to better ensure that school meals address obesity, as well as hunger.

‘The new school meal standards are one of the most important measures to promote children’s health in decades,’ said Center for Science in the Public Interest director of nutrition policy Margo G. Wootan. ‘With one out of every three children in America overweight or obese, 31 million children eating school lunch, and 15 years since the last update, it was time for a change. School food service professionals are working hard to implement the new standards, and they need the support of parents, teachers, administrators, and food manufacturers.’

Parents can help by reinforcing healthy eating at home, and encouraging their children to try the new menu options, says CSPI. Teachers can try […]