There’s a new school meal rule coming, and I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, because when I talk to nutrition directors about new standards I hear: we are committed to bringing kids healthy meals, but need better ways to actually do it.
Nutrition directors agree with where this rule is likely headed with anticipated changes including less added sugar, better whole grains, and fewer processed ingredients.
But while reimbursement went up 3.54% this year, ingredients that would meet stricter standards, specialized to public schools, cost considerably more. Nearly all nutrition directors say they need more staff, training, or equipment to cook from scratch. Most say they need more time to test recipes before switching, because a recipe that checks every box on paper is pointless if the kids won’t eat it.
It’s not just schools feeling this. Manufacturers need time to reformulate products too. Push too many changes on them too fast, and some will simply walk away from the K-12 market instead of adapting to it, which means fewer options and higher prices for everyone left buying from what’s left.
This is why the comment period matters. Once the rule is final, changes have to be made. Right now, before that happens, operators get a window to say what they’re actually working with.
If you run a nutrition program, you have the specific examples from your cafeterias. Those carry tremendous weight. You can bring to life the staffing challenges, participation impact, and the real costs to change a recipe.
If you’re a parent, you know first-hand the challenges of getting a kid to make healthy choices and the extent to which you’re dealing with a world that is full of salty, sugary foods that influence what your kids will eat. Balancing nutrition perfection with food that they will actually eat often means more healthy foods overall.
Whether you’re part of our education community or you just care about kids, you can make a difference. Through substantive comments, you can shine a light on funding, time to adapt, and flexibility that fits kids’ taste buds. Your words will be read. Your voice will be heard. Your input can make a big difference.
I’ll write more on how to submit a great comment once the window opens.