STATES HAVING PROBLEMS WITH NEW SCHOOL MEALS RULES

School districts across the country are having problems implementing a 2010 law that changed the guidelines for school breakfasts and lunches because of the rise in food prices, among other factors, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 aims to help reduce the level of childhood obesity and encourage healthier eating habits. The law required school breakfasts and lunches to include more fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Between the 2010-11 and 2012-13 school years, however, overall participation in school lunches declined by 1.2 million students although the number of students receiving free meals increased The GAO survey found 48 states said the new meal requirements t directly affected student participation in the program. One district reported the changes led to a three-week student boycott.

 

Source: Council of State Governments, 5/1/14, School Meals