As a first, the United States is changing school meals to limit added sugars and prioritize children’s health.
“For the first time, added sugars will be limited in school meals nationwide, with small changes happening by Fall 2025 and full implementation by Fall 2027,” says the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Nearly 30 million students will benefit from the change beginning in the fall of next year. Though sugar remains the main focus, sodium levels will also be reduced in school breakfasts and lunches. These changes came after a 90-day public comment period, which accumulated over 136,000 opinions, with most parents and teachers expressing their concerns about added sugar in young children’s foods. “Like teachers, classrooms, books, and computers, nutritious school meals are an essential part of the school environment, and when we raise the bar for school meals, it empowers our kids to achieve greater success inside and outside the classroom,” adds USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack.
