Changes in School Use of USDA Foods Program Funds Following Changes in School Meal Nutrition Standards

Updates in nutrition standards for USDA's National School Lunch Program (NSLP) in 2012 required that meals include more fruit and vegetables. Most foods served in school meals come from commercial sources, but USDA also offers foods to schools through the USDA Foods Program. Through this program, states can use entitlement funds provided by USDA's Food Nutrition Service (FNS) to obtain a wide range of foods including meat, poultry, cheese, fruits and vegetables (primarily canned or frozen), purchased on their behalf by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) for use in the NSLP.

Source: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior - July 1, 2023 Category: Nutrition Authors: Michael Ollinger, Joanne Guthrie Source Type: research