The U.S. Department of Agriculture just released new guidelines to ensure that the nation’s 32 million schoolchildren will be eating healthier through government-subsidized school meals. These new guidelines are part of the Healthy Hunger-Free Act. They double the amount of fruits and vegetables served in schools, set limits, on trans fats and salt, increase the amount of whole grains served, make low-fat milk the norm, and establish daily caloric intake ranges. Phew. We’ve come a long way since tater tots and chocolate milk.
It is estimated that the new guidelines will cost $250 million in the next two years – for the foodservice equipment industry outfitting schools and cafeterias to ensure that these guidelines can be adhered to. Many schools will need to replace or purchase foodservice equipment to comply with these new standards – replacing fryers with ovens or steamers, for example. Salad bars will need to be installed. Upgraded heating and holding equipment will help ensure cooking capability.
But what about the long standing tradition of many school: Pizza Wednesday?!?! It was such a mid-week morale booster when I was in elementary school, even if you could bounce the slices off the floor like a tennis ball.
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