Cheat Sheet for Proposed USDA School Nutrition Standards

The USDA plans to update school nutrition standards to align with the latest nutrition science and student preferences. This guide simplifies the proposed changes and compares them to current meal patterns. Final changes will be announced in spring 2024. See what’s likely to change and get expert tips to prepare for implementation of some rules beginning in 2024.

2023 USDA Changes Cheat Sheet

Get a simplified breakdown of proposed USDA school nutrition standards changes to be announced in 2024. The USDA aligned these updates with the latest nutrition science and feedback from their school meal partners.  

Although the changes can seem complex, we laid them out on this cheat sheet to compare the current standards to proposed changes. The sheet also includes tips to prepare for implementation beginning in 2024.  

Use this USDA nutrition standards cheat sheet to:

  • Understand proposed changes to school nutrition standards 
  • See how the updates could affect current meal patterns 
  • Get tips to prepare for new requirements with some effective in 2024 

Learn about changes to standards around milk, added sugars, salt, and more. Plus, find out what to expect from new specifics around non-domestic food purchase limits.  

Save this cheat sheet on your device or print it as a quick-reference guide, and feel free to share it with your colleagues.