The final rule requires that half of the weekly grains in the school breakfast and lunch menus be whole-grain rich. It also provides schools more time to gradually reduce sodium in the lunch and school breakfast programs. Schools can retain the Sodium Target 1until he end of the SY 2023 to 2024, continue to Target 2 in SY 2024 to 2025 and eliminate the Final Target that was to take effect in SY 2022 to 2023.
The coalition said the USDA’s final rule is arbitrary and capricious because it is not based on nutritional science or any change in scientific evidence regarding children’s nutrition since the release of the 2012 Rule.
In a statement, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said, “Once again, the Trump Administration has shown its disregard for good governance and the facts. That’s why we’re stepping in to protect the long-term health and well-being of our students and children throughout the country. A healthy diet is important for all Americans, but it is especially important for the development of our youth.”
Protecting children’s health
On the other hand, New York Attorney General Letitia James, commented, “Over a million children in New York – especially those in low-income communities and communities of color – depend on the meals served daily by their schools to be healthy, nutritious, and prepare them for learning.”
