New Report on changes to School Lunch Program

Posted by on March 31, 2014

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) printed report which found that schools have experienced challenges in implementing updated school meal standards. But, the outlook is still positive as healthier meals have been served and kids are adjusting to them.

Click here for a summary

http://www.gao.gov/assets/670/660426.pdf

and here to read the entire report.

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-14-104

Why GAO Did This Study

The National School Lunch Program served more than 31 million children in fiscal year 2012, in part through $11.6 billion in federal supports. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 required USDA to update nutrition standards for lunches. USDA issued new requirements for lunch components—fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and milk—and for calories, sodium, and fats in meals. USDA oversees state administration of the program, and states oversee local SFAs, which provide the program in schools. The changes were generally required to be implemented in school year 2012-2013. GAO was asked to provide information on implementation of the lunch changes.