New standards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will reduce sugars and sodium in school meals while emphasizing more fresh fruits and veggies.
American Heart Association President Keith Churchwell also says foods that are good for you don’t have to taste bad.
“The data is actually interesting, the fact that with these particular changes and changes over time in the past, there’s been less food wastage, not more,” Churchwell said. “I think at the local level, there have been greater degrees of innovation in terms of how those meals are prepared that lead to the children actually liking the food better as we go forward.”
Churchwell is calling on lawmakers in Washington to oppose efforts that would weaken those tougher nutritional standards.
The USDA says research shows that school meals are the most nutritious food source for American schoolchildren. Its new rules were announced in July, although they are being gradually implemented.
