The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced new nutrition standards for school meals, which will take effect in the 2025-2026 school year. These standards aim to improve nutrition and align with U.S. dietary guidelines in the program that provides breakfasts to more than 15 million students and lunches to nearly 30 million students every day.
The final rule limits added sugars for the first time and trims sodium in kids’ meals. By the fall of 2027, added sugars in school meals would be limited to no more than 10% of the total calories per week for breakfasts and lunches. The rule also sets limits on sugar in specific products, such as cereal, yogurt, and flavored milk.
Initially, officials had proposed to reduce sodium in school meals by as much as 30% over the next several years. However, after receiving mixed public comments and a directive from Congress, the agency will reduce sodium levels allowed in breakfasts by 10% and in lunches by 15% by the 2027-2028 school year.
The USDA’s aim with these new nutrition standards is to ensure that students have quality meals that meet parents’ expectations and contribute to their overall health and well-being.
