School lunch reform is taking over the nation one step at a time. With President Obama’s Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act signed into law in December, people are starting to realize that even Washington is beginning to understand the epidemic sweeping the nation. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act is a $4.5 billion plan that expands free lunches and makes school lunches more nutritious.
Although the plan sounds great many of us have been wondering if it really is being put into action. In January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released recommended nutrition guidelines. If school cafeterias don’t meet USDA-established guidelines they can’t receive federal reimbursements for school meals. The new guidelines call for more fruit and vegetables along with less sodium. Although these changes may seem small, they are absolutely imperative. Almost one in three kids and teens, which adds up to about 23 million youngsters, weigh in as obese or overweight.
If you are in support of these new USDA guidelines, PlantingProgress encourages you to sign the petition to support USDA efforts to ensure healthy school meals. We have until April 13th to make a difference.
