Congressman Henry Cuellar, (D-Laredo) announced that nearly 32 million school children across the nation and in Texas Congressional District 28 will be eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains thanks to new nutrition standards that feature healthy, revamped school menus.

The new school meal menu requirements are part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which Congressman Cuellar supported and was signed into law in 2011. This law contains the most significant improvements to child nutrition programs in 30 years.  

“Our kids go to school to get a quality education, but we also need to make sure they receive nutritious meals,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This is a step in the right direction to keep our children healthy now and to help prevent them from suffering illnesses such as diabetes and high-blood pressure when they reach adulthood.”

“Fruits and vegetables can go a long way in safeguarding our future generation’s health,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I commend the school districts for the critical role they play in implementing these new standards. Our school children will enrich their minds and bodies with healthy foods to improve their performance in school—this is a good investment.”

Sample lunch menus feature healthy meals such as a submarine sandwich on a whole wheat roll or whole wheat cheese pizza. The menu also lists a wide assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables and fat-free or low-fat milk. The healthy school lunch menu transition is also designed to limit calories based on the age of children being served to ensure adequate portion size.

Elementary School Lunch Makeover:

How the Child Nutrition Law Improves School Lunches

To help schools minimize costs, school districts will have the option to design the school lunch lines to reduce any waste. Children will have the option to pick and choose instead of receiving a served plate.

The United States Department of Agriculture released these final nutrition standards, which will give schools time to implement key changes. The standards will be phased in over a three-year period and will be introduced beginning in School Year 2012-2013.