The New USDA Competitive Food Rules: What Will They Mean for Our Kids?
February 11, 2013 | Posted by Stacy under Competitive foods, School food |
After last week’s rant, I guess it’s no secret that I’m no fan of junk food in school (with the exception of occasional school parties, which I’m convinced could be just as fun with healthier fare…just sayin’!). But the thought of kids being able to buy highly processed sugary/salty/artery-damaging stuff at school every day? If you ask me, it’s just plain wrong.
I’m not alone on this one. That’s why the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has come up with new Smart Snack in School rules regarding food sold in school snack bars, vending machines and à la carte lines. Known as “competitive foods” because they compete with the federally subsidized National School Lunch Program, these meals and snacks frequently include unhealthy options like greasy pizza, fries, chips, cookies, and soda. As of the 2009–2010 school year, about half of all public and private elementary school students had access to competitive foods that included sugary junk, according to a study published last year in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. At middle and high schools, the number is even higher.
Under the new USDA regulations, these competitive foods will get a long-overdue makeover. The rules stipulate the types of foods and beverages (with calorie and fat caps) that can be sold during school hours. In other words, most ice cream, candy and fatty fried foods will be out; fresh fruit, trail mix and nonfat or low-fat yogurt (with no more than 30 grams of sugar per 8-ounce serving–whoa!) will be in. In elementary and middle schools, the only drinks allowed will be plain water, plain low-fat milk, plain or flavored nonfat milk or milk alternative, and 100-percent fruit or vegetable juice. High schools also can sell diet drinks under 5 calories, carbonated water, and possibly sports drinks, with no restrictions on caffeine.
To get the full scoop, I recommend reading through the proposed rules yourself. And check out blogger Bettina Siegel’s helpful synopsis on The Lunch Tray.
After reviewing the proposed regs, I do think that they seem like a big step in the right direction. But I fear there still will be lots of room for less-than-healthy snacks to make their way into schools. While baked chips may be a better option than Doritos, they are still junk food. Granola and cereal bars may be viewed as nutritious, but most are infused with sugar and not exactly what I would call wholesome. And sugary yogurts and flavored milks sound like dessert in disguise.
I personally think there should be a stipulation about artificial ingredients and GMOs in the new rules. Another concern that I have is that diet and caffeinated drinks will be available in high schools. Is it really a good idea for teens to be sipping soda, energy and sports drinks containing artificial sweeteners and other sketchy ingredients?
It’s important to note that these rules do not apply to foods offered at bake sales, parties or after-school events, but would give state governments the power to regulate them.
YOU CAN WEIGH IN!
Public comments on the USDA proposal are open for 60 days (well, 56 days now, as it’s been 4 days since the recommendations were published in the Federal Register). If you’re concerned about what foods your child will have access to at school, I highly recommend offering your feedback at Regulations.gov. There are still some issues up for debate (one of which could preclude the inclusion of sports drinks at the high school level.). I tried to log on and submit my comments over the weekend only to find that the site down for scheduled maintenance until Monday at 6 p.m. Eastern. I’ll be trying again tonight!
How do you feel about the USDA’s proposed competitive food regulations? Do you plan on giving feedback? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below!
[…] (USDA) standards (new as of July 2012), school meals have gotten healthier. The USDA’s proposed competitive food rules (scheduled to go into effect in Fall 2013) promise to bring healthy changes to food and drinks […]
“The regulations set limits for fat, salt and sugar sold in places such as vending machines and snack bars.” – Awesome! Why ONLY there? Why not ALSO in what they are serving to the children every day in the lunch room? This is a serious problem that is simply not being addressed with these “new rules.” As far as what the options will be in those vending machines and snack bars, I’ll reserve my judgment for when I see what’s actually available.
“School foods must contain at least 50% whole grains” – 1.) Why not 100% whole grain? 2.) Where are these grains coming from? Likely from govt subsidized GMO wheat and corn, which, no, I don’t consider to be healthy. I’m honestly concerned that GMO’s are not only possible killing us, they could possibly kill our planet.
“or have a fruit, vegetable, dairy or protein as the first ingredient.” – Fruit cups are just about entirely fruit. (Homer: That’s good!) Covered in sugary syrup. (Homer: That’s bad.) Therefore, fruit is going to be the first ingredient. (Homer: That’s good!) However, due to all the sugar, sometimes food dyes to make them more look more appealing, and other unnecessary ingredients, that doesn’t make them healthy. (Blank look from Homer. Apu: That’s bad.) Fruit cups are just one example, you can apply this to veggies, dairy, and protein products as well. The problem with this requirement is that it doesn’t guarantee a healthy food, just that it will SEEM healthy, because, “Hey! We made sure we covered our asses in the first ingredient, so we’re all good!”
“Foods that contain at least ¼ cup of fruit and/or vegetables will also be allowed.” – Same as above.
“Sports drinks that contain relatively high amounts of sugar are prohibited, but the low-calorie versions will be for sale.” – Can’t sell the ones with sugar, but the ones with the same food dyes, artificial flavors, and chemical alternatives to sugar are just fine.
“Low-fat and fat-free milk,” – Still allows sugary flavored milks and doesn’t prohibit unnecessary antibiotics and hormones.
“100% fruit and vegetable juice,” – Fruit juices also have a ton of sugar and calories in them. It’s better to just eat the fruit. Same as fruit/veggie juice combos. 100% veggie juice – I have no info on at this time, but seems like it would be fine if there were no added sugars and/or chemicals.
“and no-calorie flavored waters are permitted.” – Artificial dyes, artificial flavors = NOT healthy.
“Potable water must be made available to kids for free where meals are served.” – This part is AWESOME! (Though, technically, we could start a debate about the poisoning of our water supplies, but I don’t wanna.) 😉
I DO think that non-GMO whole grains, non-GMO whole fruits and veggies, and non-GMO fed dairy and proteins with no anti-biotics or hormones from well-cared-for and happy animals is healthy, yes. That’s just not what these kids are getting.
[…] some criticize the regulation as a classic “nannystate” move and others fear the new regulations are not strict enough, I guess most parents would agree that the new standards significantly improve the food and […]